Hardware Validation Engineer - Apple Watch

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Hardware Validation Engineer for the Apple Watch in Cupertino to lead bench validation of new and existing hardware features on the bench. You'll focus on validating board-level systems and silicon, coordinating with design and firmware teams.

The role emphasizes developing automation tools, validating interfaces, and supporting factory test coverage, with travel to support deployments. Competitive compensation with Apple benefits is included.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in board level bring up and validation for a product system or silicon IC development board.
• Strong familiarity with test & measurement equipment and high-fidelity signal probing techniques.
• Understanding of validating all system-facing aspects of an IC in a board design: power delivery, host interfaces (USB, MIPI, I2C, SPI, UART, SPMI, PCIe).
• Good understanding of signal and power integrity.
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead bench validation efforts and identify key issues during prototype phase.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define validation coverage and resolve issues.
• Develop tools and automation to expedite and expand validation coverage.
• Assist with defining factory test coverage and triaging prototype build failures.

Skills

Board bring up experience

Test & measurement

System validation

Electrical engineering fundamentals

Communication skills

Willing to travel

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Probes

DMMs

VNAs

Power analyzer

Job description

Hardware Validation Engineer - Apple Watch

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

In this role, you will join the Watch system validation team, ensuring that all new and existing hardware features are fully validated on the bench. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IC (silicon) or system validation and a passion for delivering excellent products to customers.

Description

You will lead bench validation efforts, identifying key issues during the prototype phase and driving improvements in system design. Leveraging your expertise, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams from various disciplines to define validation coverage and resolve issues. You will use your system validation experience to develop tools and automation to assist with expediting and expanding validation coverage. You will also have opportunities to assist with defining factory test coverage and triaging prototype build failures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in board level bring up and validation for a product system or silicon IC development board
• Strong familiarity with test & measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, probes, DMMs, VNAs, power analyzer, etc.) ad high‑fidelity signal probing techniques
• Understanding of how to validate all system‑facing aspects of an IC in a board design: power delivery, host interfaces (USB, MIPI, I2C, SPI, UART, SPMI, PCIe), control signals, power rail sequencing
• Good understanding of signal and power integrity
• A solid foundation of electrical engineering fundamentals
• Good written and verbal communication skills — the ability to summarize and organize information for large forums
• Willing to travel to support factory builds.
• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Scripting capability for test automation
• Exposure to AI-enabled hardware validation automation and data analysis
• Domain experience in silicon IP design/verification, SoCs, or PMICs/power converters
• Experience performing schematic and PCB layout reviews
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

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.