System Electrical Architect (Input Devices)

Socket.dev; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a visionary electrical architect to define and design the future of input devices for the Mac product line. Ground-up EE system architecture will transform open-ended challenges into concrete hardware solutions, with mass production in mind.

You thrive in ambiguity and will partner with FW, SW, and ME teams to push human-computer interaction forward. Lead architecture across sensors and actuators, define innovative concepts, and drive technology investigations to invent what

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of experience in hardware system design or electrical architecture.
• Strong EE fundamentals (E&M physics, first principles) with a deep understanding of system architecture and design tradeoffs.
• Experience in schematic capture and component selection across diverse domains (power, digital, analog, high-speed, wireless).
• Deep knowledge of low-speed and high-speed digital interfaces (e.g., I2C, I2S, SPI, USB, MIPI, PCIe, Thunderbolt).
• Experience with highly constrained multilayer PCBs (HDI, fine-pitch BGA) and rigid-flex designs (Allegro preferred).
• Hands‑on proficiency with advanced lab tools (high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, VNAs, BERT) for bring‑up, validation, and protocol decode.
• Proven track record of taking complex systems from concept to mass production, collaborating tightly with FW, SW, and ME teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical architecture for next-generation input technologies.
• Define the system by proposing innovative architectural concepts and driving new technology investigations.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and firmware/software engineers to iteratively co-design and optimize hardware.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Hardware system design

First principles thinking

Schematic capture

HDI PCB design

Interface protocols

Lab instrumentation

Mass production

Education

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allegro

Oscilloscopes

VNAs

BERT

Job description

Apple is seeking a visionary electrical architect to define and design the future of input devices (trackpads, keyboards, and next-generation interfaces) for our Mac product line. You will be responsible for ground-up (zero-to-one) EE system architecture, transforming open-ended user experience challenges into concrete, innovative hardware solutions. If you are an independent, first-principles thinker who has experience in design for mass production and thrives in ambiguity and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of human-computer interaction, we want you to help us invent what comes next!

Description

In this highly collaborative and impactful role, you will lead the electrical architecture for next-generation input technologies. Input devices sit at the complex intersection of electrical, mechanical, and firmware/software engineering. You will not just be designing circuits. You will be defining the system. Based on design goals, you will propose innovative architectural concepts, drive new technology investigations, and partner with mechanical engineers and firmware engineers to continuously iterate, co-design, and optimize hardware.

Minimum Qualifications

BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of experience in hardware system design or electrical architecture.Strong EE fundamentals (E&M physics, first principles) with a deep understanding of system architecture and design tradeoffs.Experience in schematic capture and component selection across diverse domains (power, digital, analog, high-speed, wireless).Deep knowledge of low-speed and high-speed digital interfaces (e.g., I2C, I2S, SPI, USB, MIPI, PCIe, Thunderbolt).Experience with highly constrained multilayer PCBs (HDI, fine-pitch BGA) and rigid-flex designs (Allegro preferred).Hands‑on proficiency with advanced lab tools (high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, VNAs, BERT) for bring‑up, validation, and protocol decode.Proven track record of taking complex systems from concept to mass production, collaborating tightly with FW, SW, and ME teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Sensing Expertise: High‑precision AFE design for weak signals (capacitive touch, strain gauges, piezo).Haptics & Actuation: Drive circuitry for LRA/Piezo/VCM, H-bridge design , and closed-loop resonance tracking.Power Architecture : Designing ultra‑low noise power for sensitive analog circuits while managing massive transient currents from actuators.ME/EE Co-Design: Familiarity with mechanical resonance, damping and key requirements for capacitive/inductive-based sensing.SI/PI/EMC : Resolving severe signal/power integrity and ESD/EMI challenges in constrained, user‑facing environments.