Custom Silicon Architect - Camera Hardware

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking an enthusiastic hardware engineer to help shape the next generation of camera technology. You will collaborate with optics, controls, mechanics, and imaging teams to architect and develop custom silicon ICs that push imaging performance.

In this role, you’ll drive silicon requirements, partner with design vendors, and contribute to verification, emulation platforms, and board‑level integration within camera systems.

Qualifications

• BS Degree.
• Experience in analog/mixed-signal IC development or low-noise sensing.
• Experience with board-level design constraints and power analysis.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and problem-solving.
• Experience driving complex projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Define silicon requirements with cross-functional teams including mechanical, optical, firmware, product, test, and camera systems engineers.
• Partner with silicon design vendors from architecture definition through silicon delivery throughout the development cycle.
• Provide guidance for verification and validation plans and review results to ensure quality and performance targets.
• Drive the development of emulation platforms using discrete component design or FPGA implementations.
• Review and provide guidance for board-level designs that integrate our custom silicon into camera systems.

Skills

Analog/mixed-signal IC development

Low-power design

Low-noise sensing & signal processing

Board-level design constraints

Root-cause analysis & problem-solving

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering

BS Degree

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

We live in a world where understanding our physical environment is essential—whether navigating spaces, learning about our surroundings, or enabling breakthrough applications. Apple is meeting these needs with technology that’s both robust and creative, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of that mission. Our success depends on exceptional engineers working in an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and unconventional problem‑solving. If you’re motivated to do the greatest work of your career while helping define the next generation of revolutionary Apple products, we’d love to hear from you.

Description

Camera Hardware Engineering group drives the design, development, and innovation of camera systems across Apple’s entire product portfolio—from iPhone and Mac to iPad and Vision products. Our team delivers cutting‑edge camera electronics, including custom silicon, that enable best‑in‑class imaging experiences for our users. We’re seeking an enthusiastic, high‑energy engineer to help shape the next generation of camera technology. In this role, you’ll collaborate with world‑class experts across optics, controls, mechanics, and imaging to architect and develop custom silicon ICs that push the boundaries of what’s possible in computational photography.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including mechanical, optical, firmware, product, test, and camera systems engineers to define silicon requirements.
• Partner with silicon design vendors from architecture requirement definition through silicon delivery throughout the entire development cycle.
• Provide guidance for verification and validation plans and review results to ensure quality and performance targets are met.
• Drive the development of emulation platforms using discrete component design or FPGA implementations
• Review and provide guidance for board‑level designs that integrate our custom silicon into camera systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS Degree
• Experience in at least one of the following domains: analog/mixed‑signal IC development, low‑power, low‑noise sensing and signal processing
• Experience with board‑level design constraints, power assessment, and analysis
• Experience with performing root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving
• Experience driving complex projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of industry experience
• MS or PhD degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
• Engineer and relevant in low‑power, low‑noise sensing and signal processing
• Experience with embedded systems and MCU‑based custom silicon designs
• Experience with software/hardware co‑design methodologies
• Experience optimizing designs across multiple disciplines, including hardware/firmware partitioning, trade‑off assessments, design verification, and tolerance analysis
• Experience with IC development from architecture through high‑volume production ramp
• Experience working independently to design and deliver complex systems

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 $150,400 and $225,300, 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.

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• A range of discounted products and free services
• For formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments
• 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.

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Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.