Senior High-Speed I/O Engineer

Summary

Apple's products touch hundreds of millions of people - and the interfaces that connect them to the world depend on getting every signal right. The Hardware Test Engineering group is the team that makes sure they do.

As a Senior High-Speed I/O Engineer, you'll own the design, development, and deployment of metrology and test instrumentation systems for Apple's most advanced hardware, spanning the full breadth of Apple's product portfolio. From the earliest NPI milestones through mass production, your work will directly shape the quality and reliability of products used by people everywhere.

Description

In this role, you will develop and deploy automated instrumentation systems that validate the electrical function and performance of Apple’s high-speed I/O technologies across the entire product lifecycle. You'll partner deeply with System EE, Signal Integrity, Firmware, Software, Silicon Engineering, and Operations to define test strategies, drive instrumentation architecture, analyze complex system behavior, and improve engineering workflows through automation and AI-assisted analytics. You'll bring the communication skills, analytical rigor, and cross-functional instincts to make those partnerships count.

This position requires strong technical depth in high-speed electrical systems, software development, system debugging, and cross-functional leadership to solve challenging engineering problems at scale.

Responsibilities

Design, specify, bring up, validate, and deploy automated instrument systems for high-speed I/O interfaces (USBC, HDMI, Thunderbolt, and more) across Apple's entire product lineup - from NPI through mass production
Partner with System EE, Signal Integrity, Architecture, Firmware, Operations, and Logistics teams to gather requirements and drive test system strategy
Collaborate with contract manufacturers and vendors; author SOPs, debug instructions, and technical documentation
Own test station development and coverage; support hardware bring-up with deep technical dives into open issues
Apply data-driven and AI-assisted approaches to analyze large-scale instrument data and solve complex engineering challenges
Perform failure mode and root cause analysis, debugging from system level down to component level
Manage escalations and communicate findings to engineering teams and executive stakeholders
Support domestic and international travel as needed (up to 20%)

Minimum Qualifications

BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of relevant professional experience
Strong software development background, including C, Objective-C, and/or Lua-based library, API, or framework development; application-specific firmware; and scripting
Solid command of hardware fundamentals: architecture, block diagrams, schematics, and debug interfaces
Experience with high-speed interconnects and signal integrity (USB, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, HDMI, PCIe)
Proven ability to design, bring up, debug, and automate electrical systems

Preferred Qualifications

MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Familiarity with test methodology, statistical analysis, and Gauge R&R (GRR)
Consumer electronics manufacturing experience is a plus
Demonstrated ability to build meaningful cross-functional partnerships and manage competing priorities across disciplines
Experience developing or integrating AI tooling to improve engineering workflow quality and efficiency
Exceptional communicator - written, verbal, and visual - able to convey complex technical topics to diverse audiences including executive leadership

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.