Digital Hardware Engineer

Apple; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Wireless Hardware engineer to drive comprehensive stress testing and validation of wireless chipsets across multiple hardware configurations. You will debug silicon and firmware issues, and collaborate with firmware, software, and design teams to triage and resolve complex problems.

The role requires hands-on hardware debugging, analyzer usage, and strong communication to drive hardware issues to closure in a cross-functional setting.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical or Computer Engineering with at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Solid understanding of SoC/PMU design and micro-architecture with hands-on silicon bring-up or post-silicon validation.
• Experience with high-speed memory systems and digital interfaces (PCIe, RFFE, SPMI, DDR, USB, SPI, I2C).
• Ability to read schematics and PCB layouts; hardware/software co-debug across multi-processor embedded systems.
• Hands-on hardware debugging with lab equipment; PCIe PHY validation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive volume stress testing and system-level validation of wireless chipsets across configurations.
• Debug and root-cause hardware and silicon failures on wireless silicon platforms.
• Capture/analyze signals with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to isolate issues.
• Collaborate with firmware/software/design teams to triage issues and drive fixes to closure.

Skills

Communication skills

Hardware debugging

Test scripting (Lua/Python/C)

Hardware bring-up

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering with 10+ years

Tools

DSOs

Logic analyzers

Protocol analyzers

Job description

Description

Do you have a passion for taking on big challenges? Do you love pushing the limits of what's considered feasible? As part of our Wireless Hardware group, you'll be responsible for bringing groundbreaking wireless connectivity to the world. On this team, we help improve the performance of our products through innovative system-on-chip designs. Our team will build platform architecture that paves the way for all-new experiences, including the ones that allow people to take advantage of our innovations in sensor technology. Together, our goal is to ensure nothing stands in the way of our customers' connections with their devices. Be a part of a world class wireless hardware team responsible for the design, implementation, and verification of the baseband systems for all mobile Apple products. The applicant should be familiar with computer system architecture and digital design. The candidate will work proactively and cooperatively with other cross-functional engineering groups.

Responsibilities

• Drive volume stress testing and system-level validation of wireless chipsets (internal and vendor-supplied) using production firmware across multiple hardware configurations
• Debug and root-cause hardware and silicon failures on complex wireless silicon platforms involving multi-core CPUs, firmware, and inter-processor communication
• Capture and analyze analog and digital signals using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to isolate failures at the board, package, and silicon level
• Collaborate with firmware, software, and design teams to triage issues, reproduce field failures, and drive corrective actions through to resolution

Preferred Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering with at least 4 years of relevant industry experience
• Proficiency in developing targeted tests to exercise specific aspects of silicon designs and digital interfaces
• Good understanding of modern operating systems, firmware, and device drivers, with the ability to create basic software routines and test scripts (e.g., Lua, Python, C)
• Experience with volume stress testing, reliability screening, or production-level validation of wireless or cellular modem chipsets
• Strong communication skills coupled with a proactive attitude for effectively presenting technical findings and driving hardware issues to closure in a cross‑functional team environment

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
• Solid understanding of SoC/PMU design and micro-architecture, with hands on experience in silicon bring-up or post-silicon validation
• Experience with high-speed memory systems and digital communication interfaces (e.g., PCIe, RFFE, SPMI, DDR, USB, SPI, I2C)
• Familiarity with interpreting and navigating complex schematics and PCB layouts
• Working knowledge of hardware/software co‑debug methodologies on multi‑processor embedded systems
• Hands‑on hardware debugging expertise, including the use of modern lab equipment (DSOs, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers), with prior experience in PCIe PHY validation being highly advantageous

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 $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.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to elig