Software Engineering Systems

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

Job summary

Apple in Cupertino, California, is seeking a System Validation Software Engineer to join the OS Diagnostics team. You will craft and maintain software that characterizes, calibrates, and tests new hardware, and you will debug software and hardware independently across multiple platforms.

You will collaborate with EE, Systems, Software, Hardware Testing, QA, Factory, Manufacturing and Operations to develop firmware, drivers, and validation tools for SoC IPs and common interfaces, enabling robust

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 4 - 5 years of validated experience in a similar role.
• Experience with Python/Lua/Bash
• Understanding and experience with ARM platform and architecture/instruction set.
• Experience with standard hardware protocols (USB, UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PCIe, MIPI, LPDP)
• Experience developing drivers/applications in Unix, Linux, or MacOS

Responsibilities

• QA: implement test plans and test cases to validate system firmware and diagnostics during manufacturing.
• Identify root causes of failures and drive issue resolution with SFD teams.
• Debug and fix complex system issues using advanced tools.
• Lab management: maintain and configure the local lab.
• Develop and maintain validation tools and automation frameworks.
• Remote collaboration: work effectively with a team in a different time zone.
• Seek process improvements to boost QA efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

Python

Lua

Bash

ARM ISA

USB

UART

SPI

I2C

I2S

PCIe

MIPI

Unix/Linux/macOS

C++

Objective-C

Swift

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

Tools

GDB

LID

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

The Product Integrity group is seeking a System Validation Software Engineer to help validate and debug future products. As part of the OS Diagnostics team, you will be responsible for crafting and maintaining software applied for characterizing, calibrating, and testing novel hardware. Your duties will also include debugging software and hardware independently and multi-functionally, and working with numerous other teams within company and with various contract manufacturers. Your proficiency in writing and debugging software across diverse hardware platforms will be instrumental in your success.

Description

In this role you will develop firmware and drivers for common firmware interfaces, chipsets, communications protocols and various SoC IPs. You will also implement features to support hardware testing and diagnosis of devices, helping with new technology exploration and proof of concept development. This is a highly multi‑functional role and you'll work closely with various teams, like EE, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Hardware Testing, QA, Factory, Manufacturing and Operations. The environment is dynamic, fast‑paced, are you ready for your next challenge?

Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance: Implement comprehensive test plans and test cases to validate system firmware and diagnostics functionality during manufacturing.
• Issue Identification & Resolution: Analyze test results, identify root causes of failures, and work closely with SFD teams to drive issue resolution.
• Debug & Fixing: Apply sophisticated debugging techniques and tools to diagnose complex system issues.
• Lab Management: Handle the local lab environment, including equipment maintenance, setup, and configuration.
• Develop and maintain tools and frameworks: Support automation of validation used in test processes.
• Remote Collaboration: Work independently and optimally in a remote environment, collaborating with a team located in a different time zone.
• Continuous Improvement: Find opportunities for process improvement and implement solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the quality assurance process.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 4 - 5 years of validated experience in a similar role.
• Experience with Python/Lua/Bash
• Understanding and experience with ARM platform and architecture/instruction set.
• Experience with one or more of the standard hardware protocols (USB, UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, PCIe, MIPI, LPDP)
• Experience developing drivers/applications in Unix, Linux, or MacOS

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Familiar with C++/Objective-C/Swift
• Experience with debuggers such as gdb, lid, etc.
• Able to comprehend hardware specs and schematics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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.