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Embedded 5G/4G Cellular Physical Layer Data Path Signal Processing Firmware Engineer

Apple· Hardware
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Sunnyvale, California$129.3k - $225.3kFull-timePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Wireless Embedded Physical Layer Data Path Signal Processing Firmware Engineer focused on embedded 4G/5G/6G multimode cellular firmware within a silicon design group, responsible for implementing PHY algorithms and interfacing with specialized hardware to optimize power, performance, and cost.

Responsibilities

  • Implement cellular physical layer algorithms on digital/vector signal processors with tight time, latency, memory and energy budgets by interfacing to specialized cellular ASIC hardware.
  • If you have strong hardware programming understanding, you will implement firmware which implements 3GPP channels and procedures such as: PDCCH, PDSCH, PBCH PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH UL/DL HARQ.
  • Channel Estimation, Channel State Feedback, Interference Cancellation, Cell Search and Measurement, Beam Measurement (if applicable)
  • Work with systems engineers to refine signal processing algorithms for efficient firmware/hardware execution
  • Specify, design, and implement the firmware architecture for superior power, performance, and cost
  • Analyze, refine and implement fixed-point firmware and validate bit-exactness to the algorithmic reference
  • Assist in the development on pre-silicon emulation systems/virtual platforms and use them for verification
  • Evaluate and implement groundbreaking tools for build, formal verification and test
  • Define methodologies and standard processes

Qualifications

  • Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree.
  • Experience either with implementing digital signal processing algorithms using special purpose digital/vector signal processing HW -OR- wireless physical layer channels by interfacing to special purpose hardware.
  • Deep understanding of software engineering principles, and core computer science fundamentals.
  • Fundamental facility with C and C++, compilers, build and source code control tools.
  • Experience with silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms.
  • Solid understanding of computer architecture with particular emphasis on the HW/SW interfaces of high-speed communication subsystems.
  • Some scripting experience (Python) for developing automation tooling
  • Understanding of 3GPP cellular standards (4G/5G physical layer aspects).
  • Familiarity with digital/wireless communications.
  • Significant experience with memory constrained Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and concurrent programming.
  • Familiarity with machine learning (ML) concepts and generative AI

Skills

Required:C and C++Firmware development for embedded systemsDigital signal processing
Nice to have:3GPP PHY knowledgePython scripting

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • retirement benefits
  • range of discounted products and free services
  • reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
  • discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation (potential)
Last updated Sep 25, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

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