Sensing & Imaging FPGA Engineer

Socket.dev; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple's Imaging and Sensing Incubation team is seeking an FPGA Design Engineer to bring hardware systems to life, from architecture through bring-up, for multi-sensor acquisition and processing. You'll have the autonomy to influence design decisions and work hands-on in a lab setting.

You’ll collaborate with hardware, algorithm, software, and system teams, using oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers to shape future Apple products that see, hear, and sense the world.

Qualifications

• BS with 10+ years of FPGA design experience.
• Proficiency in SystemVerilog or Verilog RTL.
• Experience with interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART, USB, MIPI, DP.
• Ability to troubleshoot with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, ChipScope, Reveal).

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA-based platforms from architecture through bring-up.
• Build multi-sensor acquisition and processing systems.
• Influence hardware, algorithm, and system design decisions.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and system teams.

Skills

FPGA design tools

SystemVerilog

High-speed interfaces

Lab equipment debugging

Experience 10+ yrs

Education

MS/PhD in EE/CE

Tools

Vivado

Lattice Radiant

ChipScope

Reveal

Xilinx/AMD FPGA

Job description

We live in a mobile and device-driven world where knowledge of the physical world around us is essential. Apple is meeting those needs as robustly and creatively as possible, and we're looking for people who want to help us achieve that commitment. The Imaging and Sensing Incubation team develops design solutions for user experiences and new technologies across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBooks, and more. Our team creates early-stage hardware systems integrating cameras, non-vision sensors like IMUs, magnetometers, accelerometers, microphones, and ambient light sensors, including systems that enable Apple Intelligence features. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, hands-on environment that cultivates engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation.

Description

Apple's Incubation team is seeking an FPGA Design Engineer to bring hardware systems to life, systems essential to delivering future products, features, and Apple Intelligence capabilities. You'll develop FPGA-based platforms from architecture through hardware bring-up, building multi-sensor acquisition and processing systems and influencing hardware, algorithm, and system design decisions. You'll have the autonomy to make design decisions and see their impact in working hardware. Work hands on in the lab with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers while collaborating with and learning from world-class experts in electrical engineering, sensor modules, product design, software, and system teams. Your work will directly shape how future Apple products see, hear, and sense the world around them.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proficiency with FPGA design tools such as Vivado, Lattice Radiant, design constraints, familiarity with AMD (Xilinx) and Lattice FPGA technologies
• Strong System Verilog or Verilog RTL design skills
• Experience with communication interfaces and protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, MIPI, DP, high-speed serial interfaces)
• Troubleshooting and analytical skills using lab equipment including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, ChipScope, and Reveal
• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with image/signal processing implementation in FPGA (ISP pipelines, filtering, frame buffering)
• Understanding of low-level software (firmware and/or drivers in C or C++) and Python/Tcl for automation and test
• Good understanding of CDC and FPGA timing constraints
• CI/CD for FPGA builds, version control best practices, and regression testing methodologies
• AI-assisted coding and design experience
• Good judgment and understanding of system-level impact of design choices
• Strong communication and cross-team collaboration skills
• Passionate about learning and working in a fast-paced incubation environment
• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field with FPGA design experience delivering FPGAs from concept to implementation