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RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer

Apple· Hardware
Apply on company site
Sunnyvale, California, United States$129.3k - $225.3kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

The wireless RFIC team designs and validates radio transceivers for Apple wearable wireless SoCs. The role involves hands-on bench testing, debug, and measurement of RF IP, end-to-end RF integration, and support across pre-silicon emulation to mass production, with emphasis on RF validation, calibration, and test automation.

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.

Qualifications

  • Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
  • Proven experience in RF test development, hands-on debug, performance characterization, and reporting.
  • Good 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.
  • Good understanding of RF fundamentals, wireless transceiver architectures, and digital communication systems.
  • Good knowledge of RF, PLL, and wireless system measurements (e.g., IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise).
  • Experience with RF PCB board design, layout considerations, and debugging.
  • Familiarity with RFIC block-level schematics and design/simulation environments.

Skills

Required:RF testing and characterizationPython scriptingRF equipment operationRF fundamentals and measurements
Nice to have:RF PCB design and debugging

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Tuition reimbursement for education related to advancing your career
  • Discretionary bonuses or commission potential
  • Relocation assistance
  • Employee stock purchase plan eligibility
  • Apple shareholder opportunities
Last updated Sep 4, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

AirPods Max 2Apple ArcadeApple CardApple Fitness+Apple MusicApple TVApple TV+Apple Watch Series 11
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