SerDes System Validation Engineer

Apple; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Employee stock plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a SerDes System Validation Engineer in Cupertino to lead bring-up, validation, and debug of high-speed SerDes IP within the Analog-Mixed/Signal design team.

You will validate embedded circuits, analyze robustness, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure first-time silicon success. The role requires deep expertise in SerDesProtocols, mixed-signal verification, and scripting for automation.

Qualifications

• BS with 10+ years relevant industry experience
• Strong knowledge of high-speed SerDes protocols (PCIe, USB, UCIe, OIF)
• Experience with system bring-up of high-speed serial links and lab testing
• Knowledge of DFT to aid in validation
• Experience leading mixed-signal SerDes system validation

Responsibilities

• Ownership of SerDes system bring-up, validation and debug
• Be involved in mixed-signal verification tasks to understand SerDes operation
• Work with design teams to understand the architecture and define DFT needs
• Collaborate with multiple teams to enable high-quality silicon for Apple products

Skills

SerDes protocols

Scripting

Mixed-signal verification

System bring-up

Python

C

Matlab

DFT knowledge

PCB design

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Lab testing equipment

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

We are looking for a SerDes System Validation Engineer to lead system validation of mixed-signal SerDes IP. In this highly visible role, you will actively work within Analog-Mixed/Signal design team and participate in validation and debug of embedded circuits; collaborating with many teams to enable the world’s premiere products. You will closely work with a hard-working group of Analog-Mixed/Signal designers working diligently to deliver hard IPs to Apple’s products while exceeding the highest expectations of quality, innovation and efficiency. At Apple, we work every day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. In doing so, we face exciting challenges driven by the increasing complexity of SoC and PHY design. If you have strong technical fundamentals and a proven record of tackling complex problems—fueled by curiosity, a passion for learning, and a desire to enhance the impact of your work we’d love to hear from you. If you thrive on understanding the bigger picture while diving deep into the details to innovate and find elegant solutions. You enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve extraordinary results, maintaining a strong team spirit even when facing tough challenges. Most importantly, you care about society and demonstrate leadership through your commitment to meaningful causes.

Description

Ownership of SerDes system bring-up, validation and debug. This will involve a SerDes bring up in system environment, verifying basic operations, analyzing robustness and margins in system. Work with design teams to understand the architecture and define DFT needs to help enhance testability and first-time silicon success. Be involved in mixed-signal verification tasks to better understand the SerDes operation and interaction with higher level control logic.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to think outside of the box and come up with creative solutions for system validation.
• Knowledge of system level considerations e.g. ESD requirements.
• Very knowledgeable about and experienced with common high-speed SerDes protocols (e.g., PCIe, USB, UCIe, OIF, etc.).
• Experience with system bring-up of high-speed serial links, lab testing, and defining equipment needs.
• Very knowledgeable in scripting (e.g. python, C, Matlab) for automation of validation efforts.
• Experience with system level S/W setup.
• Experience in mixed-signal circuit pre-silicon verification and ability to closely work with circuit design team.
• Knowledge of DFT to aid in the system validation.
• Experience in leading mixed-signal SerDes system validation.
• Experience with silicon bring-up, debug and production ramp.
• Knowledge of SerDes design and architecture including CDR and equalization.
• Knowledge of with Tx/Rx equalization techniques and adaptation.
• Knowledge of link jitter budget for high-speed serial links and key block level requirements.
• Knowledge of ADC based links and equalization techniques.
• Familiarity with PCB design and specifications.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of delivering under difficult debug and validation scenarios.

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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.

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.