RFIC Validation And Characterization Engineer

RFIC Validation And Characterization Engineer

Irvine, California, United States, Hardware

The wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates radio transceivers integrated into complex wireless SoCs. Our transceivers have powered wireless connectivity solutions for Apple wearable products, enabling the smallest form factor at the lowest power envelope. You will have the opportunity to do innovative development in transceiver design while working closely with systems and product teams at Apple. In this role, you will be part of an RFIC design team and perform test, debug and measurement for RF SOC IP.

In this role, you will be a key member of our team, delivering end-to-end RF integration solutions for our advanced Wireless SoC products. You will enable the entire product lifecycle from pre-silicon emulation and design development through to mass production. You will be responsible for the critical first bring-up of our Wireless SoC-RF, conducting final silicon validation, and ensuring compliance with rigorous standards. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your technical expertise across both hardware and software domains, including wireless transceiver architecture, RF systems, DSP, embedded systems, and the full productization process of world-class products. Your work will involve hands-on bench testing, debugging, and system characterization to ensure our RF IPs meet and exceed performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on bench testing, characterization, and debugging of RF SoC IP including transmitters, receivers, PLLs, power amplifiers, and ADCs/DACs.
• Drive the bring-up and functional validation of new wireless SoCs, from first silicon to final product.
• Design and develop Radio calibrations, including algorithm creation and optimization.
• Automate RF measurements and data analysis by writing robust scripts (e.g., Python) to control test equipment and the device under test (DUT).
• Characterize and optimize key RF performance metrics such as EVM, spectral mask, phase noise, sensitivity, IP3, NF, and ACPR.
• Debug complex chip-level and board-level issues, including desense and EMI problems.
• Collaborate with RF Systems, Design, and Integration teams on board layout, test methodology, and calibration programming.
• Generate comprehensive RF design verification, characterization, and test reports.
• Develop and support RF calibration and test routines for ATE mass production environments.
• Design external matching networks to optimize transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) radio performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience in RF test development, hands-on debug, performance characterization, and reporting.
• Strong scripting and automation skills in Python (highly desired), Perl, TCL, C++, or similar languages.
• Hands-on experience with standard RF test equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, and signal generators.
• Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, wireless transceiver architectures, and digital communication systems.
• Strong knowledge of RF, PLL, and wireless system measurements (e.g., IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise, lock time).
• Experience with RF PCB board design, layout considerations, and debugging.
• Familiarity with RFIC block-level schematics and design/simulation environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS and 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong RF background and familiarity with RF systems fundamentals.
• Some experience in RF PCB board design, debugging, and development.
• Exposure to RFIC design and simulation/verification.
• Exposure to SOC design and simulation/verification.

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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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.

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.