RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental

Retirement benefits

Product discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation bonus

Job summary

Apple, Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking an RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer to join our wireless RFIC team.

You will perform test, debug and measurement for RF SoC IP, delivering end-to-end RF integration solutions from pre-silicon to mass production. The role emphasizes hands-on bench testing, calibration, and data analysis, with collaboration across RF Systems, Design and Integration teams to optimize Tx/Rx performance and ensure compliance with standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; RF test development and characterization experience.
• Strong Python scripting and automation preferred.
• Hands-on experience with RF test equipment.
• Knowledge of RF fundamentals and transceiver architectures.
• Experience with RFIC/layout debugging.
• Familiarity with RF PCB design.

Responsibilities

• Bench test, characterize, and debug RF SoC IP components (Tx, Rx, PLLs, PA, ADCs/DACs).
• Drive bring-up and functional validation from first silicon to final product.
• Develop radio calibrations and optimization algorithms.
• Automate RF measurements and data analysis with scripts (e.g., Python).
• Characterize RF performance metrics: EVM, phase noise, NF, ACPR, IP3.
• Debug chip- and board-level issues including desense and EMI.
• Collaborate with RF Systems, Design, and Integration teams on layout and calibration.
• Generate RF design verification and test reports.
• Develop RF calibration/test routines for mass production (ATE).
• Design external matching networks to optimize Tx/Rx.

Skills

RF test development

Python scripting

RF measurements

Debugging

PCB design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Network analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Vector signal analyzers

Signal generators

Job description

RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into complex 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 test, debug and measurement for RF SOC IP. Would you like to join us and become part of this dynamic team?

Description

In this role, you will be a key member of our team, delivering end-to-end RF integration solutions for our advanced Wireless SoC products.You will enable the entire product lifecycle from pre-silicon emulation and design development through to mass production.You will be responsible for the critical first bring-up of our Wireless SoC-RF, conducting final silicon validation, and ensuring compliance with rigorous standards.This is a unique opportunity to deepen your technical expertise across both hardware and software domains, including wireless transceiver architecture, RF systems, DSP, embedded systems, and the full productization process of world-class products.Your work will involve hands‑on bench testing, debugging, and system characterization to ensure our RF IPs meet and exceed performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on bench testing, characterization, and debugging of RF SoC IP including transmitters, receivers, PLLs, power amplifiers, and ADCs/DACs.
• Drive the bring‑up and functional validation of new wireless SoCs, from first silicon to final product.
• Design and develop Radio calibrations, including algorithm creation and optimization.
• Automate RF measurements and data analysis by writing robust scripts (e.g., Python) to control test equipment and the device under test (DUT).
• Characterize and optimize key RF performance metrics such as EVM, spectral mask, phase noise, sensitivity, IP3, NF, and ACPR.
• Debug complex chip‑level and board‑level issues, including desense and EMI problems.
• Collaborate with RF Systems, Design, and Integration teams on board layout, test methodology, and calibration programming.
• Generate comprehensive RF design verification, characterization, and test reports.
• Develop and support RF calibration and test routines for ATE mass production environments.
• Design external matching networks to optimize transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) radio performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
• Proven experience in RF test development, hands‑on debug, performance characterization, and reporting.
• Good scripting and automation skills in Python (highly desired), Perl, TCL, C++, or similar languages.
• Hands‑on experience with standard RF test equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, and signal generators.
• Good understanding of RF fundamentals, wireless transceiver architectures, and digital communication systems.
• Good knowledge of RF, PLL, and wireless system measurements (e.g., IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise, lock time).
• Experience with RF PCB board design, layout considerations, and debugging.
• Familiarity with RFIC block‑level schematics and design/simulation environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS and 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 $122,700 and $214,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

You’ll also receive benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• A range of discounted products and free services
• For formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
• 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.