Digital ASIC Architect
Apple· Hardware
Hybrid (Austin, TX / San Francisco Bay Area, CA / San Diego, CA)Full-timePosted 1w ago
About the role
Define the digital architecture behind Apple's next generation of motion-aware experiences on the Motion Sensing Hardware team, owning the digital architecture of motion sensing ASICs from concept through silicon and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class sensing experiences across Apple's product line.
Responsibilities
- Define the digital architecture needed to achieve the module ERS, including evaluation and down-selection of processor, DSP, memory, and interface IP and topologies against performance/power/area/risk
- Perform trade-off analysis and interface with the Analog ASIC Architect, MEMS Architect, Firmware Lead, and SoC team for system-level architectural decision making
- Define hardware/firmware partitioning, memory hierarchy, bus topology, clock and power domain structure, and peripheral integration
- Lead digital architecture reviews with vendor and internal stakeholders
- Develop sensing algorithms and signal processing pipelines, and build high-level models in MATLAB, Python, or SystemC to predict performance before RTL exists
- Co-simulate digital with a behavioral analog front-end and MEMS model to validate full system interaction, then correlate models against first silicon to close the loop for the next iteration
- Author IP-level and IC-level specifications that anchor design, verification, and characterization, including: Processor, DSP, memory, bus, and custom control-engine requirements; Clocking, reset, power management, and I/O / peripheral specs; Host SoC and sensor AFE interface definitions
- Drive defect root cause analysis and resolution from bring-up through mass production
- Document architectural assumptions, open items, known risks, and waiver justifications for tape-out readiness sign-off
- Communicate program status, technical issues, risks, and mitigation plans clearly and concisely
- Minimal business travel as needed to support product development
Qualifications
- BS in Electrical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Deep expertise in digital ASIC architecture for sensor or mixed-signal systems, including processor and DSP sub-system definition, memory and bus architecture, and custom control engine micro-architecture
- Proven track record of defining and taping out high-volume, complex digital and mixed-signal ICs from architecture through production
- Strong foundation in system-level design, requirements development, and hardware/firmware partitioning for sensing or low-power embedded applications
- Experience developing sensing algorithms and signal processing pipelines, with the modeling skills to evaluate them before silicon
- Experience with IC bring-up, silicon characterization, and system-level debug
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or SystemC for high-level modeling and simulation
Skills
Required:Digital ASIC architectureSystem-level design and requirements developmentSensing algorithms and signal processing pipelinesModeling and simulation
Last updated Oct 16, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Apple
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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.
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