Embedded Real Time Critical Control Firmware Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock programs

RSU program

Stock Purchase Plan

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Product discounts

Education reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Bonuses or commissions

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks an Embedded Real Time Critical Control Firmware Engineer to drive firmware for 5G/4G multimode cellular SoCs in silicon design. You will craft highly optimized bare metal control firmware and participate in multi-functional teams that shape evolving requirements.

The role emphasizes real-time deadlines, ML-assisted design, and pre-silicon validation. Expect collaboration across firmware, HW, and software, and opportunities to influence product-level decisions within Apple’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Design and optimize bare metal firmware for tight cycles and memory constraints.
• Balance firmware vs software design considerations in constrained environments.
• Lead feature delivery across firmware/software life cycles.
• Architect system-level features for high-speed communication subsystems.
• Proficient in C/C++ programming, compilers, and source control.
• Familiarity with HW/SW interfaces of high-speed subsystems.
• Some OS app-level development with Python or Perl scripting.
• Foundational knowledge of ML/DL and using AI/ML tools for design.

Responsibilities

• Implement real-time critical control algorithms (power gating, tracking loops, PHY procedures).
• Build validation framework for firmware algorithms.
• Assist pre-silicon emulation and virtual platforms for FW design and HW verification.
• Evaluate tools for build, formal verification, and testing.

Skills

Bare metal firmware optimization

Firmware design

Firmware lifecycle

System architecture

C/C++ programming

HW/SW interfaces

Python scripting

ML/DL basics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Embedded Real Time Critical Control Firmware Engineer

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.As an Embedded Firmware Engineer passionate about real time critical control on this team, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for crafting and productizing powerful cellular SoCs. This position requires someone comfortable with all aspects of embedded firm development, that thrives in a multifaceted multi-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to shift on constantly evolving requirements.

Description

Design and implement algorithms using minimal memory and cycles with rigid real time deadlines. Use AI/ML as a tool for improved productivity and work on system architectures that implement algorithms using AI/ML principles.

Responsibilities

• Implement algorithms such as power gating, tracking loops, spec based physical layer procedures.
• Build validation framework for validation of implemented algorithms.
• Assist in the development of pre-silicon emulation systems/virtual platforms and use them for pre-silicon FW design and HW verification.
• Evaluate and implement powerful tools for build, formal verification and test.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree.
• Understanding of design and implementation of bare metal control firmware which is highly optimized for cycles and memory.
• Understanding of the difference between design for a software platform and a highly constrained firmware environment.
• Understanding of leading feature delivery for a complete firmware/software life cycle.
• Understanding of architecting system level features.
• Fundamental facility with C and C++, compilers, build and source code control tools.
• Understanding of computer architecture with particular emphasis on the HW/SW interfaces of high-speed communication subsystems.
• Some mainstream OS application-level development and Python or Perl scripting experience.
• Foundational knowledge in Machine Learning and Deep Learning: ML algorithms and deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) -AND- using generative AI as a tool for design and implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Theoretical understanding of the implementation of AI/ML Algorithms: Knowledge of the mathematical foundations of various AI/ML algorithms and how to apply to parameter estimation algorithms -AND- understanding of HW architectures and programming models for how to target algorithms to AIML acceleration HW.
• Understanding of design for asymmetric multiprocessing solutions.
• Understanding of 5G and 4G 3GPP protocols.
• Some familiarity with wireless communications.
• Understanding of silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms.
• Understanding of memory constrained Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and concurrent programming.

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 $122,700 and $214,300, 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
• reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition
• 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