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RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer

Apple· Hardware
Apply on company site
Hybrid (San Diego, CA), Hybrid (Irvine, CA), Hybrid (Sunnyvale, CA)$122.7k - $214.3kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

RFIC team develops, validates, and characterizes radio transceivers embedded in wireless SoCs for Apple wearable products. Role involves hands-on bench testing, debug, RF system characterization, and end-to-end RF integration from pre-silicon to mass production, collaborating across RF Systems, Design, and Integration teams.

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:Python scriptingRF measurement and debuggingRF system fundamentals

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Educational expense reimbursement (tuition)
  • Potential discretionary bonuses or commission payments
  • Relocation assistance
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Discretionary RSU opportunities
Last updated Oct 16, 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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