Wireless System Integration and Characterization Engineer

Apple

3.7

(120)

Irvine, CA

Why you should apply for a job to Apple:

  • 66% say women are treated fairly and equally to men
  • 66% say the CEO supports gender diversity
  • Ratings are based on anonymous reviews by Fairygodboss members.
  • Company commitment that women earn the same as men performing similar work includes no salary history disclosure policy.
  • Apple University creates classes, seminars, and tools to help employees understand Apple’s culture, organization, and values.
  • Whether you donate time or money, Apple will match charitable contributions up to $10,000 a year.
  • #200626951-1697

    Position summary

    on 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 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

    • 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

    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 $171,600 and $302,200, 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.

    Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .

    Submit Resume

    Why you should apply for a job to Apple:

  • 66% say women are treated fairly and equally to men
  • 66% say the CEO supports gender diversity
  • Ratings are based on anonymous reviews by Fairygodboss members.
  • Company commitment that women earn the same as men performing similar work includes no salary history disclosure policy.
  • Apple University creates classes, seminars, and tools to help employees understand Apple’s culture, organization, and values.
  • Whether you donate time or money, Apple will match charitable contributions up to $10,000 a year.