Bluetooth MAC Systems Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a senior wireless silicon engineer to join the MAC/PHY team.

You will work on chip‑level bring‑up, verify wireless connectivity, collaborate across RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC, and FW/SW to deliver robust wireless performance in real silicon. The role requires 10+ years in wireless, strong programming with Python/C++, and hands‑on lab testing.

Qualifications

• BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Working knowledge of wireless systems and hands-on lab testing.
• Experience with Python and/or C/C++ for algorithm development, modeling, simulation and test-bench infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing and improving the efficiency of wireless MAC layer protocols, focusing on throughput, latency and overall network performance.
• Defining the control procedures of the MAC layer hardware modules to achieve robust and optimal performance throughput and latency.
• Implementing MAC system models and investigating algorithms for performance enhancements, design and validate them to allow performance sign‑off and enable system developments.
• Bringing up, testing, characterizing and optimizing real silicon in the lab.
• Collaborating with PHY system team and cross‑functional teams to integrate MAC layer algorithms into system architecture.
• Collaborating with firmware designers to realize these methods with high efficiency software implementation and possibly with using hardware acceleration.
• Documenting design processes and performance outcomes, providing detailed reports and insights for continuous improvements.

Skills

Wireless systems

Python

C/C++

Lab testing

Algorithm development

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analyzer

Signal generator

Power meter

Job description

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

Come and join Apple’s growing wireless silicon development team. Our wireless SoC organization is responsible for all aspects of wireless silicon development, emphasizing highly energy-efficient design and new technologies that transform the user experience at the product level. All of this is driven by a world‑class vertically integrated engineering team spanning RF/Analog architecture and design, Systems/PHY/MAC architecture and design, VLSI/RTL design and integration, Emulation, Design Verification, Test and Validation, and FW/SW engineering. If you enjoy a fast‑paced and challenging environment, collaborate with people across different functional areas, and thrive during crisis times, we encourage you to apply.

Description

Your role will involve chip‑level bring‑up, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless performance, compliance, and reliability of wireless connectivity solutions.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing and improving the efficiency of wireless MAC layer protocols, focusing on throughput, latency and overall network performance.
• Defining the control procedures of the MAC layer hardware modules to achieve robust and optimal performance throughput and latency.
• Implementing MAC system models and investigating algorithms for performance enhancements, design and validate them to allow performance sign‑off and enable system developments.
• Bringing up, testing, characterizing and optimizing real silicon in the lab.
• Collaborating with PHY system team and cross‑functional teams to integrate MAC layer algorithms into system architecture.
• Collaborating with firmware designers to realize these methods with high efficiency software implementation and possibly with using hardware acceleration.
• Documenting design processes and performance outcomes, providing detailed reports and insights for continuous improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and 10+ years relevant industry experience.
• Working knowledge of wireless systems as well as hands‑on experience with lab testing and implementation of communication system.
• Experience with Python and/or C/C++ for algorithm development, modeling, simulation and test‑bench infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of BT MAC layer protocol.
• Working knowledge, involving hands‑on experience of BT systems.
• Experience in crafting signal processing and wireless communications systems.
• Knowledge in existing wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth/BLE.
• Experience on bring up of real silicon in lab and being able to efficiently use lab equipment (such as spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter).
• Experience in modem architecture, microprocessor architecture, hardware and software control.
• Experience of SoC design and validation to support wireless communication system.
• Experience on low‑power algorithm design for power critical application.
• Experience with multi‑radio coexistence management.
• Experience and knowledge on High‑Level Synthesis (HLS), silicon prototyping, emulation systems and virtual platforms.
• Experience with network simulator such as OPNET, NS2 or NS3.

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.

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.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace. Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.