Senior Firmware Engineer

Beats; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple's Accessories team seeks a firmware engineer to architect, develop, and validate embedded software for next-generation accessories. You will work across hardware and software to turn concepts into reliable devices for Apple and Beats.

This fast-paced environment requires strong C skills, hands-on hardware bring-up, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. If you thrive on rapid development and quality, this role offers growth opportunities and Apple benefits.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/Electronic or Computer engineering or CS with a strong software focus.
• 5+ years embedded firmware experience for high-volume consumer accessories or mobile hardware.
• Strong coding skills in C and hands-on hardware bring-up and debugging.
• Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, USB and reading schematics for chip-level debug.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, develop, and maintain firmware for Apple/accessory products.
• Characterize, test, validate designs, and prepare reports/presentations as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced rapid development environment.

Skills

Embedded firmware

Hardware bring-up

ARM Cortex

Bus interfaces

Education

BS in EE/CE/CS

Tools

RTOS

Job description

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.

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.