Hardware Systems Design and Integration Engineer - AirPods

Apple; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple in Cupertino, CA is seeking a Hardware Systems Design and Integration Engineer for AirPods to own schematic design, layout direction, and prototype validation across rigid PCBs, SIPs, and flex circuits. You will drive critical trade-offs and validate hardware within tight thermal and power constraints, collaborating with vendors and cross-functional teams.

You will lead manufacturing-test planning, qualification, and high-volume production readiness, with occasional travel to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience designing electronics and/or embedded systems.
• Strong fundamentals in analog/digital design, signal integrity, power integrity, etc.
• Hands-on prototyping, bring-up, debug and validation.

Responsibilities

• Own schematic design, layout direction, and design reviews for rigid PCBs, SIPs, and flexible circuits, delivering to program milestones.
• Perform hands-on prototype bring-up, debug, and failure analysis.
• Validate and characterize prototypes by creating thorough validation plans, working with contract manufacturers to execute plans, and reviewing results.
• Define and drive manufacturing test requirements; partner with contract manufacturers and operations to enable ramp to high-volume production.
• Lead and organize complex, multi-disciplinary investigations across electrical, mechanical, and software domains, driving root cause resolutions.
• Travel occasionally to support builds and manufacturing activities.

Skills

3+ years electronics/embedded systems

Analog–digital design fundamentals

Prototype bring-up and validation

HDI PCB/flex/SIP design

Python scripting

Multidisciplinary failure analysis

Excellent written and verbal skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Hardware Systems Design and Integration Engineer - AirPods

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Every day, hundreds of millions of people reach for AirPods to tune into their world. Behind that seamless, effortless experience is some of the most advanced electrical and mechanical integration in consumer hardware - world-class acoustic performance, custom silicon, sensor fusion, and incredible battery life.Our team owns the end-to-end electrical design of AirPods. We are seeking a system electrical engineer to play an important role in delivering what’s next. In this role, you will develop AirPods hardware, push the boundaries of physical architecture, technology integration, and custom silicon, and validate that our designs meet the highest performance and quality standards.If you thrive on technical rigor and the challenge of turning complex engineering into products the world wears daily, your next chapter is here.

Description

In this role, you will be a hands-on Hardware System Integrator for an AirPods program, designing, analyzing, and validating hardware from initial concept through mass production. You will drive critical trade-offs—applying rigorous engineering principles to design, optimize, and validate hardware within tight volumetric, thermal, and power constraints. You will work extensively with cross-functional teams and vendors to tackle all kinds of challenges, from development board design to system hardware test and validation and so much more.

Responsibilities

• Own schematic design, layout direction, and design reviews for rigid PCBs, SIPs, and flexible circuits, delivering to program milestones.
• Perform hands-on prototype bring-up, debug, and failure analysis
• Validate and characterize prototypes by creating thorough validation plans, working with contract manufacturers to execute plans, and reviewing results
• Define and drive manufacturing test requirements; partner with contract manufacturers and operations to enable a smooth ramp to high-volume production.
• Lead and organize complex, multi-disciplinary investigations across electrical, mechanical, and software domains, often with incomplete data and drive them to root cause and durable resolution.
• Travel occasionally to support builds and manufacturing activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 3+ years relevant industry experience designing electronics and/or embedded systems
• Strong Electrical Engineering fundamentals (analog/digital design, signal/power integrity, etc.)
• Hands‑on experience in prototyping, bring‑up, debug and validation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high volume products / consumer electronics from proof of concept to mass production; prior experience in working with contract manufacturers highly desirable
• Expertise in HDI PCB, flex, and/or SIP designs including schematic and layout with strong abilities to implement to a timeline and deliver high quality designs
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: CPU/SOC, power(DC‑DC converters, battery, power management, low power design), analog circuits, audio, RF integration and measurement, sensor design and integration, ESD safety, high speed interfaces
• Python / scripting experience
• Design validation and bench analysis
• Experience working with mechanical design, software, reliability, manufacturing, and operations organizations
• Experience with challenging and multi‑disciplinary failure analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 $129,300 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. 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.