RFIC Test Engineer

Apple, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock programs

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple, Inc. is seeking a senior RF engineer to join the wireless RFIC team in San Diego. You will design, test, and validate RF transceivers integrated into RF SoCs for Apple wearable products, performing measurements and debugging across RF blocks.

You will run bench tests, automate measurements, and help optimize Tx/Rx performance while coordinating with cross-functional teams. A BS with 10+ years in RF engineering is required; MS is preferred and relocation may be offered.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of experience in RF/SoC development.
• Experience in RF test development, debugging, and reporting.
• Scripting and debugging knowledge in Python, Perl, TCL, C++, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of RF test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, vector signal analyzer, vector signal generator).
• Good knowledge of RF, PLL, and general wireless systems measurements (IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise).

Responsibilities

• Run bench test and debug RF SoC IP, including transmitters, receivers, PLL, power amplifiers, ADC/DAC, crystal oscillators, and PMU.
• Debug chip level or board level de-sense and EMI issues.
• Write scripts using a build-up environment to automate measurements.
• Perform RF system characterization measuring EVM, spectral mask, phase noise, sensitivity, and other radio parameters.
• Design external matching networks to optimize Tx/Rx radio performance.
• Collaborate with RF systems and integration teams on RF board layout, test interface methodology, and programming sequence and RF calibration programming.
• Synchronize radio register settings between the simulation environment and test environment.

Skills

RF test development

RF debugging

RF measurements

Scripting: Python/Perl/TCL/C++

Education

BS degree in Electrical Engineering

MS degree preferred

Tools

Network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Vector signal analyzer

Vector signal generator

Job description

Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive with pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible? As part of an outstanding `team, you’ll craft sophisticated, groundbreaking projects that deliver more performance in our products than ever before. You’ll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, coordinated design. Join us, and you’ll help us innovate new technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations! By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you’ll push the industry boundaries of what wireless systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers worldwide.

Description

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into sophisticated wireless SoCs. Our transceivers have powered wireless connectivity solutions for Apple wearable products, enabling the smallest form factor at the lowest power envelope. You will have the opportunity to do innovative development in transceiver design while working closely with systems and product teams at Apple! In this role, you will be part of an RFIC design team and perform the tests, debugging, and measurements for RF SOC IP. Would you like to join us and become part of this diverse team?

Responsibilities

• Run bench test and debug of RF SoC IP, including transmitters, receivers, PLL, power amplifiers, ADC/DAC, crystal oscillators, and PMU.
• Debug chip level or board level de-sense and EMI issues.
• Write scripts using a buildup environment to automate measurements.
• Perform RF system characterization measuring EVM, spectral mask, phase noise, sensitivity, and other radio parameters.
• Design external matching networks to optimize Tx/Rx radio performance.
• Collaborate with RF systems and integration teams on RF board layout, test interface methodology, and programming sequence and RF calibration programming.
• Synchronize radio register settings between the simulation environment and test environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience in RF test development, debugging, and reporting.
• Scripting and debugging knowledge in any of the following: Python, Perl, TCL, C++, or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of RF test equipment (network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, vector signal analyzer, vector signal generator, etc.).
• Good knowledge of RF, PLL, and general wireless systems measurements (i.e., IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise, lock time, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• MS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong RF background and familiarity with RF systems fundamentals.
• Some experience in RF PCB board design, debugging, and development.
• Exposure to RFIC design and simulation/verification.
• Exposure to SOC design and simulation/verification.

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.