Haptics Firmware Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 147,400 - 272,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounts on products

Tuition reimbursement

Possible bonuses or commission payments

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a creative embedded software engineer to develop firmware for the Taptic Engine in next‑generation products such as the iPhone and Apple Watch. In this role, you will work with a dedicated team to ensure a world‑class haptic experience for millions of customers.

Qualified candidates will have a B.S. in a related field, 3+ years of embedded systems experience, and expertise in C/C++. This position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and employee stock purchase opportunities.

Qualifications

• B.S. in CS/CE/ECE or related fields and 3+ years relevant experience.
• Expertise in C or C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience interfacing microcontrollers with sensors.
• Knowledge of embedded peripherals/protocols like USB, SPI.
• Strong independent work ethic and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop Taptic Engine firmware for Apple products.
• Collaborate across Hardware, Software, QA, and Design teams.
• Architect low-latency haptics solutions with touch/force sensors.
• Bench-test firmware to ensure it meets performance requirements.
• Debug issues with QA to deliver high-quality firmware.

Skills

C or C++ expertise for embedded systems

Experience with microcontrollers and sensors

Knowledge of embedded peripherals/protocols

Board bring-up and debug skills

AI-assisted development tools experience

Excellent communication skills

Education

B.S. in CS/CE/ECE or related fields

M.S. in Embedded Systems is preferred

Tools

JTAG

Mixed-signal oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States – Hardware

We are looking for a creative, motivated, and passionate embedded software engineer to develop Taptic Engine firmware for next‑generation Apple products, including iPhone, Watch, and Mac. Join a tightly‑integrated team of hardworking engineers to deliver world‑class haptic experiences enjoyed by millions of customers. In this role you’ll collaborate with teams across the company, including Hardware, Software, QA, and Design.

Description

As a firmware engineer in haptics, you will work on all stages of the product development cycle with a vertically‑integrated technology team. You will bring up proof‑of‑concept prototypes and demos to help Design teams explore and evaluate new interactions. To ensure we craft well‑considered features, you will architect low‑latency, end‑to‑end haptics solutions with touch/force sensors by collecting requirements, constructing block diagrams, and reviewing hardware schematics; you will also negotiate and specify communication protocols, operating modes, and feature requirements with software driver teams. You will develop and document firmware features on prototype hardware and custom silicon, integrating actuator control algorithms with tight real‑time requirements using DSP concepts, while working with factory teams to meet test and calibration requirements. To meet our especially high quality bar, you will bench‑test firmware to ensure it meets performance, power, and thermal requirements; and you will debug and root cause issues with QA to deliver high‑quality, robust firmware to production.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in CS/CE/ECE or related fields and 3+ years relevant industry experience
• Expertise in C or C++ for embedded systems
• Experience interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and actuators (e.g. LRA, VCA, Piezo)
• Knowledge of embedded peripherals / protocols (e.g. DMA, USB, UART, SPI, I2C)
• Ability to apply software best‑practices to firmware design in bare‑metal or RTOS environments
• Board bring‑up and debug skills with JTAG, mixed‑signal oscilloscopes, and/or logic analyzers
• Experience with AI‑assisted development tools and LLM applications in software / firmware development
• Independent work ethic with strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. with advanced courses in Embedded Systems, Controls, and/or Signal Processing
• Working knowledge of closed‑loop control systems and experience implementing low‑level control algorithms in embedded environments
• Development of production DSP or FPGA firmware for haptic or audio applications

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become shareholders through Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs, may receive restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if participating in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You’ll receive benefits including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and reimbursement for certain educational expenses such as tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Apple employee benefit, compensation, and 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.

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