Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Systems Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 181,100 - 318,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Educational reimbursement

Employee stock programs

Eligible for bonuses or commissions

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Systems Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge wireless technologies in Cupertino, California. This role involves optimizing connectivity performance across WLAN, Bluetooth, and more, while driving product quality through cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in RF/Antenna systems and possess a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Apple offers a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in RF/Antenna system development.
• Industry experience in commercializing wireless products.
• Solid understanding of wireless technology like 802.11ax and Bluetooth.
• Hands-on experience with modeling and validation tools.

Responsibilities

• Shape consumer products by addressing wireless performance challenges.
• Drive system-level link budget understanding through testing.
• Architect best-in-class testbeds for performance evaluation.
• Define and execute validation plans for product quality.
• Mentor engineers in testing and validation processes.

Skills

Wireless system design

Performance evaluation

Cross-functional collaboration

Simulation modeling

RF characterization

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

HFSS

CST

ixChariot

iPerf

Job description

Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Systems Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple’s customers every day! Apple’s Wireless System and Compliance Engineering team is looking for a Systems Engineer to drive connectivity performance across WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, and UWB technologies for Apple's world-class wireless products.

Description

You will work at the intersection of wireless technology evaluation and product integration, applying deep system expertise to define, characterize, and optimize connectivity performance across Apple's product portfolio. Beyond translating carrier, regulatory, and industry requirements into system specifications, you will proactively identify HW and SW optimization opportunities, drive their adoption, and champion product quality in close collaboration with cross-functional teams, helping Apple deliver best‑in‑class wireless experiences at scale.

Responsibilities

• Shape next‑generation consumer products by applying wireless system design and characterization expertise to solve complex performance challenges.
• Drive system‑level link budget understanding and its impact on feature performance through simulation, emulation, and measurement.
• Architect and maintain best‑in‑class testbeds and controlled environments to identify and characterize relevant KPIs and unlock the next tier of wireless performance.
• Define and execute validation plans, identify HW and SW opportunities to close performance gaps, and drive their adoption.
• Champion product quality along with cross‑functional teams (RFHW, Antenna, Product Design, EE) through root cause analysis and driving design improvements.
• Represent Apple's product goals in standardization venues and mentor engineers in defining test plans, custom testing solutions, and platform‑level fixes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in EE or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Industry experience in development/characterization of RF/Antenna system for wireless technologies. Experience in commercializing wireless products is required.
• Solid understanding of wireless system concepts and performance evaluation in at least one technology: 802.11ax, 802.11ac, Wi‑Fi 6E, GNSS, UWB, or Bluetooth.
• Solid understanding of PHY layer and MAC/application layer protocols.
• Solid understanding of end‑to‑end link budget and wireless propagation.
• Hands‑on modeling experience using at least one simulation tool (e.g., MATLAB, HFSS, CST, ANSOFT, or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in EE or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Working experience with RF characterization, antenna design and testing, anechoic chambers, and RF test equipment.
• Hands‑on experience with throughput measurement tools (e.g., ixChariot, iPerf, Octoscope, or similar).
• Proficiency in MATLAB for system‑level modeling and simulation.
• Track record of driving HW/SW design improvements through cross‑functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with industry conformance requirements for WLAN, Bluetooth, and GNSS technologies.
• Familiarity with chipset and platform architecture for connectivity technologies (WLAN, Bluetooth, GNSS, UWB).
• Familiarity with AI tools and workflows (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants, automation platforms) to boost productivity and engineering efficiency.

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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.