WSoC PHY/MAC Validation and Integration Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock option program

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks a seasoned WSoC PHY/MAC Validation and Integration Engineer to drive integration and optimization of PHY components in wireless systems. You will collaborate across RTL, DSP, RF, and board teams to ensure reliable, compliant performance from silicon to firmware.

You will bring-up chips, implement DSP algorithms in real-time, and develop automated test plans to validate PHY interfaces and connectivity across Bluetooth, WLAN, and UWB protocols.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or related field and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in wireless PHY design and integration.
• Experience with DSP concepts and real-time implementations.
• Familiarity with hardware debugging and chip bring-up.
• Experience validating PHY/RF/MAC across platforms.
• Knowledge of RF parameter testing such as EVM/ACPR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate and validate PHY components for wireless protocols.
• Implement and optimize DSP algorithms for modulation, demodulation, filtering and error correction.
• Conduct FPGA and chip-level bring-up, power-on testing, and validation of PHY interfaces.
• Troubleshoot integration issues and identify root causes.
• Develop automated PHY/MAC test scripts and manage RF test equipment.
• Validate algorithms on silicon with RTL, PHY, RF, MAC and board teams.
• Bring-up state-of-the-art PHY/MAC algorithms to production for various wireless apps.
• Develop test plans and analyze results to drive debugging and improvements.

Skills

PHY layer design

DSP concepts

real-time DSP

chip-level bring-up

PHY/RF/MAC verification

RF parametric testing

lab equipment

Python

Bluetooth/WLAN/UWB

problem solving

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

RTL

Oscilloscope

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Job description

WSoC PHY/MAC Validation and Integration Engineer

As a WSoC integration and validation engineer, you will be responsible for the integration and optimization of physical layer (PHY) components in wireless communication systems.

Description

Your role will involve chip-level bring-up and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) implementation, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless performance, compliance, and reliability of wireless connectivity solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate and validate PHY layer components for wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB, etc.).
• Implement and optimize DSP algorithms for signal modulation, demodulation, filtering, and error correction to enhance wireless performance.
• Conduct FPGA and chip-level bring-up, including power-on testing, debug, and validation of PHY interfaces, PHY/RF/MAC functionalities and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues at the chip level, identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Design, execute and automate directed PHY/MAC testing scripts, which control and setup RF test equipment and RF chips.
• Validate and characterize algorithms on real silicon alongside RTL, PHY, RF, MAC, and board designers.
• Bring-up and take to production state-of-the-art physical layer wireless communication system algorithms for different wireless connectivity applications.
• Develop and implement test plans; collect and analyze test result; identify, root-cause, and debug issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in wireless communications, with a strong focus on PHY layer design and integration.
• Solid understanding of DSP concepts and experience with implementing DSP algorithms in real-time systems.
• Experience with chip-level bring-up, including familiarity with tools and techniques for hardware debugging.
• Experience with PHY/RF/MAC Verification.
• Experience of RF parametric testing such as EVM, ACPR, Rx sensitivity, blocker testing.
• Experience with lab equipment such as network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscopes, DMM’s.
• Python programming is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, WLAN, UWB.
• Verification skills in problem solving, constrained random testing, and debugging.

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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

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.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants