Test Platforms, Applications, and Systems Engineering Program Manager

Socket.dev; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Test Platforms, Applications, and Systems Engineering Program Manager within the Satellite Connectivity Group to lead tooling development for validating the full stack from UE to Apple cloud services. You will collaborate with modem engineers, protocol teams, RF engineers, and backend engineers to ensure readiness ahead of product milestones.

The role requires 5+ years in systems engineering and technical program management, with a BS/EE/CS or equivalent.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering and technical program management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of tooling including hardware system to validate the full stack—from UE–RAN interface through Apple cloud services.
• Partner daily with modem engineers, protocol stack developers, RF system engineers, and Apple services backend engineers to drive test tooling from concept through lab, certification, and field deployment.
• Contribute to and influence internal Apple engineering teams and vendors to realize the network deployment and meet requirements and schedule.

Skills

Cellular protocol stack

Network simulation

Mobile services architecture

APNs / iMessage architecture

Cross-functional alignment

System-level thinking

Communication skills

Schedule management tools

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

BS, EE, CS or equivalent

Tools

Callbox environments

Network simulation tools

Job description

At Apple, we strive every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Our successes are the result of skilled domain experts working in an environment which encourages creativity, collaboration, and re-thinking of old problems in new ways! As a member of the Satellite Connectivity Group, you will work on the satellite network that enables connectivity to iPhone and Watch Ultra when off the grid without cellular or Wi‑Fi coverage. Every day, Apple customers use Emergency SOS, Roadside assistance, and Messages via satellite to stay connected when they have no other means to communicate. You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape this and other critical services, to the benefit and safety of millions of Apple device users.

DESCRIPTION

The Satellite Connectivity Group team leads development across the satellite, ground station, RAN+Core, and service application systems, incorporating COTS applications where applicable. It also defines the interface to the UE through a dedicated protocol specification. The Test Platforms, Applications, and Systems Engineering Program Manager will work with the SCG and the UE software engineers to lead the development and delivery of tooling including the hardware system to validate the full stack —E2E from the UE–RAN interface through to Apple cloud services. This role spans cellular and satellite connectivity platform engineering all the way up to the application and services layer, ensuring that test infrastructure for protocol validation, RF characterization, and end-to-end service verification is built, qualified, and ready ahead of every product milestone. You will partner daily with modem engineers, protocol stack developers, RF system engineers, and Apple services backend engineers to drive test tooling from concept through lab, certification, and field deployment. This role will also contribute to and influence internal Apple engineering teams and vendors to realize the network deployment, enabling ground-to-satellite-to-user performance to meet requirements and schedule. Come join us as we endeavor to delight and inspire the millions of Apple’s customers every day!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of systems engineering and technical program management experience BS, EE, CS or equivalent required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Solid understanding of the cellular protocol stack (L1–L3: PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, RRC, NAS) and UE–network signaling flows.
• Hands-on experience with network simulation or callbox environments for protocol and RF testing.
• Familiarity with mobile services architecture and how applications (messaging, location, push notifications) interact with network and cloud infrastructure.
• Understanding of Apple Push Notification service (APNs), iMessage delivery architecture, Find My network protocols, or equivalent services-layer knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to drive alignment across engineering, program, and vendor stakeholder groups.
• Ability to see the “big picture” system-level objectives and dependencies across segments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to adapt communication styles as required for different audiences.
• Familiarity with schedule management tools.
• Comfortable working in an ambiguous environment.