Software Engineer - Test and Validation

Apple Inc.; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 123,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products

Educational expense reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. in California is seeking a Software Engineer in Test to join the Audio Product System Quality team. You will design and implement automated tests for AirPods hardware and firmware, and develop ML-powered validation tools to improve performance and reliability.

You will work cross-functionally with firmware, software, and hardware teams, write code in Python, and build scalable test frameworks to gather thousands of iterations weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• 2 years experience with machine learning algorithms in practice.
• Professional work experience testing embedded systems.
• Hands-on programming with Python.
• Familiarity with version control, testing, and debugging.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated stress, performance and stability tests for embedded systems.
• Contribute to ML-powered test automation frameworks and validation tools.
• Analyze validation data and build predictive models for early detection.
• Write and update problem reports with ML-assisted analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Adapt to rapid project schedules and shifting priorities in new-product development.

Skills

Python programming

Machine learning

Embedded systems testing

Version control

Debugging

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Claude AI tools

Tableau

Superset

Job description

Do you want to make a positive impact on the direction of new, key technologies in consumer products while pioneering the future of intelligent quality assurance?We are the Audio Product System Quality team, and we are seeking a creative and motivated Software Engineer in Test to join our team for advanced audio products like AirPods/AirPods Pro/AirPods Max! You will be a key part of the hardware/software development process and have the opportunity to work closely with firmware/software/hardware teams while we deliver the best audio experience for our customers. To achieve this, it requires building large automated frameworks to gather thousands of iterations of test data weekly, and we need people like you to help us build and maintain our tools for critical functional, stability and performance testing of AirPods products.You'll plan, design and write code for system automation with an emphasis on hardware and firmware-centric risks across a number of devices. You will be at the nexus of hardware, firmware and software where you work cross-functionally with multiple engineering and QA/QE teams to identify risk areas and testing responses, and to support engineering investigations. We expect artificial intelligence and machine learning to be at the core of the work, developing next-generation automation tools that predict, prevent, and optimize critical system failures before they impact customers.Come join our team!

Description

As a Software Engineer in Test you will be responsible for the development of key new areas for AirPods functional, stability and performance test coverage, enhanced by machine learning capabilities while also balancing the day-to-day operations of existing automation that runs thousands of iterations daily.

Responsibilities

• Help design and implement automated stress, performance and stability tests for embedded systems, with hardware and firmware-centric focus
• Contribute to ML-powered test automation frameworks and validation tools
• Analyze validation/test data and help build predictive models that detect issues early
• Write and update problem reports, including ML-assisted analysis of failures and root causes
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and QA teams to learn the broader testing landscape and identify automation opportunities
• Adapt to rapid project schedules and shifting priorities common in new-product development

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• 2 years experience involving machine learning algorithms and their practical applications
• Professional work experience testing embedded systems
• Hands-on programming experience with Python
• Familiarity with software engineering fundamentals (version control, testing, debugging)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a cross-disciplinary team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hardware/firmware/software validation, hardware/firmware/software integration, or testing methodologies
• Experience with Claude code or other AI tools, MCPs and skills
• Background in data science, machine learning, computer vision, or statistical data analysis
• Knowledge of real-time audio or Bluetooth technologies
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools such as Tableau or Superset

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. 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
• 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
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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.