Hardware Systems Design & Integration Engineer - AirPods

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a senior hardware systems design & integration engineer for AirPods in Cupertino, CA. You will own system-level architecture, drive RF/CPU/SOC integration, and work with cross-functional teams to push hardware design from concept to mass production.

The role combines hands-on hardware integration with rigorous validation, structural design reviews, and collaboration with vendors and internal teams to meet tight constraints and timelines.

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 and power integrity.

Responsibilities

• Own schematic design, layout direction, and design reviews for rigid PCBs, SIPs, and flexible circuits, delivering to program milestones.
• Prototype bring-up, debugging and failure analysis.
• Validate and characterize prototypes with thorough validation plans and vendor collaboration.
• Define and drive manufacturing test requirements with contract manufacturers for high-volume production.
• Lead multi-disciplinary investigations across electrical, mechanical and software domains to drive root-cause resolution.
• Travel occasionally to support builds and manufacturing activities.

Skills

Electrical fundamentals

Prototype bring-up

Schematic design

PCB layout

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HDI PCB design

Job description

Hardware Systems Design & 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 senior technical lead to define what comes next. In this role, you will define system-level architecture, push the boundaries of physical architecture, wireless systems, and custom silicon, and set the technical standard for extraordinary cross-functional teams.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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.