Wireless System Integration and Characterization Engineer

Summary

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Wireless System Engineer. As a member of our multi-faceted group, you will have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers every single day.

Description

In this technical role, you will be part of a dynamic group and have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to craft products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers. You will be responsible for System integration and characterization of state-of-the-art wireless SoC products, as well as bringup & integration of the PHY/Radio and executing the PHY and radio level characterization on internal silicon solution from chip back until shipping in your favorite Apple products. You will engage with the first silicon arrives to bringup, integrate, tune and debug the PHY and radio system operation and performance. You will use your understanding of communication theory and radio calibration algorithms to optimize performance and debug issues on the silicon. Your experience using and understanding the test equipment to identify and zero in on issues and your software skills to configure and probe the chip. As an owner of the silicon performance, you will be key in making sure Apple products exceed expectations.

Responsibilities

Bring up, integrate, and tune PHY and radio systems on first-silicon wireless SoCs.
Characterize and validate PHY/RF performance across operating modes and conditions.
Debug and root-cause system-level issues spanning PHY algorithms, RF circuits, firmware, and test setup.
Work closely with cross-functional teams—including PHY algorithm, RF design, digital, MAC, and firmware—to ensure seamless system integration and performance optimization.
Develop and automate test and characterization workflows to accelerate silicon evaluation and regression.
Analyze results to identify performance bottlenecks, drive improvements in calibration algorithms (e.g., IQ imbalance, LO leakage, TSSI, Power Control), and ensure robust performance across process and temperature corners.
Document findings, communicate results, and drive silicon maturity through iterative bring-up cycles until mass production readiness.

Minimum Qualifications

BS and a minimum of 3-10 years relevant industry experience
Strong fundamentals in RF/PHY systems, signal processing, communication theory, and analog impairments — with practical expertise in their application to OFDM-based transceivers.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred MSEE or PHD degree with some relevant experience
Knowledge in existing wireless communication protocols: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, LTE/WCDMA/GSM, or 802.11ad/ay.
Understanding communication theory and key Tx/Rx metrics like EVM and sensitivity.
Experience bringing up radio calibration algorithms (such as Power Control, IQ imbalance, LO Leakage, TSSI or others).
Experience in system bring-up, integration, characterization, and debug of real wireless silicon in a lab.
Experience using and understanding of the theory of operation of wireless/RF test equipment such as signal analyzer, signal generator, and spectrum analyzer.
Experience developing test automation including equipment drivers, debug tools, automation scripts, database interfaces, and reporting tools.
Experience with Python, Matlab, Perl, C/C++, or C#.
Experience with automation infrastructure development (traceability, repeatability) and related tools (GIT, CI, database, reporting tools).
Preferred advanced degrees MS or Ph.D in Electrical Engineer or Computer Engineering.

Pay & Benefits — Irvine, 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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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.

Pay & Benefits — Sunnyvale, 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.