Wireless Systems Researcher

Summary

Apple is seeking a Wireless Systems Researcher to apply RF technology expertise to user-centered research that informs the design and development of Apple's wireless products. This role investigates how real-world usage—such as body-worn interference, crowded RF environments, and multi-device coexistence—impacts wireless performance and the end-user experience.

If you are passionate about RF technologies and obsessed with the user experience, we encourage you to apply.

Description

This role supports all phases of product development, designing and executing rigorous, statistically sound studies that quantify wireless system performance and translate technical findings into actionable product decisions. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams in both Austin and Cupertino, including Human Factors, Antenna Design, RF Design, QA, and Software.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with internal and cross-functional partners in defining critical research questions to inform RF/wireless product development
Identify and understand user characteristics, environments, and use cases related to RF/wireless connectivity that can impact target performance metrics
Design and execute user studies to quantify end-to-end RF/wireless system performance and root cause potential shortcomings
Apply appropriate experimental design principles (e.g., sample size determination, control of confounding variables, appropriate statistical tests) to ensure research findings are valid and actionable
Partner with Human Factors and Research Operations teams to validate test methodologies and study protocols
Process, analyze, and visualize data to formulate insights and inform product decisions/trade-offs
Communicate results and insights to cross-functional stakeholders
Design and implement novel wireless infrastructure to advance human engineering product validation

Minimum Qualifications

MS with 3+ years of professional experience or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with strong background in RF/wireless technologies, data analysis/visualization, and human-centered or experimental research
Experience working with RF and wireless connectivity technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, UWB), preferably for consumer products
Experience applying statistical methods and experimental design principles (e.g., hypothesis testing, power analysis, regression, risk assessment) to human-subjects or engineering research
Experience with data processing and visualization using R, Python, MATLAB, or similar techniques
Experience setting up research plans and schedules
Experience identifying and directing resources required to execute successful research
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues
Experience using AI/LLM tools to accelerate research workflows or data analysis
Strong grasp of the theory behind RF and wireless connectivity technologies
Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Willingness and ability to travel within the USA

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. with 2+ years of industry experience
Experience building wireless infrastructure and configuring wireless interference for RF system testing
Experience conducting research with wearable devices and human body interaction
Experience with user audio perception analysis and modeling
Experience with signal processing and wireless protocol simulation/modeling

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.