Senior Firmware Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and free services

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA is seeking a Firmware Engineer to drive firmware development for next-generation accessory products.

You will architect, design, implement, and maintain firmware for hardware and software systems, conduct characterization and validation, and present results to stakeholders. The role requires strong C programming skills, hands-on hardware bring-up, and experience with ARM Cortex microcontrollers in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), or equivalent with strong software focus.
• 5+ years of embedded firmware development for high-volume consumer accessories or mobile hardware.
• Strong C coding skills and experience with hardware bring-up, schematics reading, and chip-level debugging.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, develop, and maintain firmware for Accessory hardware and software systems.
• Characterize, test, and validate designs; analyze results and prepare reports/presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups in a fast-paced development environment.
• Prototype and debug on low-power microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M/R/A).
• Work with standard interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB).

Skills

Embedded firmware development

C programming

Hardware bring-up

Schematic reading

Low-power MCUs (ARM Cortex)

Bus interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB)

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or CS (strong software focus)

MS (preferred)

Tools

Compiler toolchains

RTOS environments

Firmware test frameworks

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

The Accessories team is seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer with a strong foundation in engineering principles and a deep passion for new technologies. In this role, you will be at the forefront of researching, developing, and innovating solutions for the next generation of Apple and Beats accessory products. You will play a critical role in the product development lifecycle, turning early concepts into fully realized, world-class devices. This role requires an energetic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, rapid-development environment and is ready to innovate.

Description

The Firmware Engineer will be part of a team that architect, design, develop, and maintain hardware and software systems for Accessory products. This engineer will also perform characterization, test and validation of each design; analyze results and create reports/presentations when needed. This role requires an energetic and motivated individual ready to innovate. Experience in a quick paced rapid development group is highly desired.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), or an equivalent field with a strong software focus.
• 5+ years of professional experience in embedded firmware development for high-volume consumer accessories or mobile hardware.
• Demonstrable coding skills with a heavy emphasis on C.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in hardware bring‑up, reading schematics, and debugging chip‑level functionality on new hardware builds.
• Proven experience with system integration and prototyping on low‑power microcontrollers (ARM Cortex‑M/R/A architectures).
• Hands‑on experience with standard bus interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, USB).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple cross‑functional groups under minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), or equivalent.
• Background in power delivery, power management, battery charging architectures, or sensor integration (accelerometers, thermal sensors).
• Familiarity with Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies, or proprietary short‑range wireless protocols.
• Experience working with compiler toolchains, RTOS environments, and automated firmware test frameworks.

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.

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.