Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Validation Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 126,800 - 220,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and free services

Reimbursement for educational expenses

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Validation Engineer to validate wireless performance across its product portfolio. This role involves hands-on validation and certification testing, working with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and performance across multiple wireless technologies. The successful candidate will have solid RF knowledge and experience with antenna design, as well as a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. Competitive compensation and benefits, including stock options, are offered.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with antenna design and testing, anechoic chambers, and RF test equipment.
• Solid understanding of RF component characteristics and behavior.
• Understanding of at least one wireless technology: IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, GNSS, LTE.

Responsibilities

• Drive wireless performance validation across carrier and industry certification test setups.
• Translate carrier, regulatory, and industry requirements into actionable test cases.
• Define and execute validation plans for custom software features.
• Debug marginal and failure tests with cross‑functional teams.
• Own and improve test setups to ensure lab environments are calibrated.

Skills

Hands-on working experience with antenna design and testing

Solid understanding of RF component characteristics

Understanding of wireless technology IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, GNSS, LTE

Education

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)

Tools

MATLAB

RF test equipment from industry-leading vendors

Job description

Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Validation 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 an engineer to work on radiated system characterization and performance analysis across different connectivity technologies (WLAN, BT, UWB, GNSS) for Apple’s wireless products.

Description

You will be part of a cross-functional team responsible for validating and certifying wireless performance across Apple's product portfolio. Working hands‑on at the intersection of hardware, software, and regulatory compliance, you will translate carrier and industry requirements into test cases, execute OTA validation plans, support certification testing at third‑party labs, and debug wireless performance issues alongside antenna, RF hardware, product design, and software engineering teams — building deep expertise across wireless technologies and RF systems alongside some of the best engineers in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive wireless performance validation across carrier and industry certification test setups, including final certification at third‑party labs (PTCRB, CTIA, CWG), ensuring Apple products meet the highest conformance standards.
• Translate carrier, regulatory, and industry requirements into actionable test cases, ensuring product validation covers all certification, performance, and compliance criteria.
• Define and execute validation plans for custom software features.
• Debug marginal and failure tests with cross‑functional teams — RFHW, Antenna, Product Design, EE, and others — and drive design changes to address issues.
• Own and continuously improve test setups, ensuring lab environments are calibrated, reliable, and ready for next‑generation product testing.
• Plan and execute final certification testing at third‑party test labs for PTCRB, CTIA, and CWG testing.
• Contribute to evolving Apple's wireless characterization methodologies as new connectivity technologies emerge.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hands‑on working experience with antenna design and testing, anechoic chambers, and RF test equipment.
• Solid understanding of RF component characteristics and behavior.
• Solid understanding of at least one wireless technology: IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, GNSS, LTE, GSM, UMTS, or CDMA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE).
• Understanding of PHY Layer and MAC/application layer protocols.
• Proficiency in MATLAB simulations.
• Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment from industry‑leading vendors (e.g., Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz).
• Familiarity with OTA test standards and methodologies (e.g., CTIA, 3GPP).
• Exposure to AI tools and workflows (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants, automation platforms) to boost productivity and engineering efficiency.
• Experience driving certification programs at third‑party labs (PTCRB, CTIA, CWG).
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to multitask across various disciplines.
• Analytical curiosity and a structured approach to diagnosing complex RF and wireless performance issues.

Compensation and Benefits

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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.