Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Systems Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and services

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Apple's Wireless System and Compliance Engineering team seeks a Systems Engineer to drive connectivity performance across WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, and UWB for Apple's wireless products. You will operate at the intersection of wireless evaluation and product integration, translating requirements into system specs while driving HW/SW optimization.

In this role you will shape testbeds, validate performance, mentor engineers, and contribute to cross-functional design improvements to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in EE or equivalent with 10+ years of RF experience.
• Experience in RF/Antenna system development and wireless product commercialization.
• Strong understanding of WLAN/Bluetooth/GNSS/UWB and PHY/MAC concepts.

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 through root cause analysis and driving design improvements.
• Represent Apple's product goals in standardization venues and mentor engineers in defining test plans.

Skills

Wireless system concepts

Link budget analysis

System-level modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Testbed design

Education

Bachelor's Degree in EE

Master’s Degree in EE

Tools

MATLAB

HFSS

CST

ANSOFT

ixChariot

iPerf

Octoscope

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

• 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.

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.