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6G Cellular Modem Systems Engineer

Apple· Hardware
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Sunnyvale, CA, San Diego, CA$184.7k - $324.8kFull-timePosted 3d ago

About the role

Cellular Modem Systems Engineer to define and build the next generation of cellular technology, bridging 3GPP standards, feature definition, design, and hardware/software architecture to deliver performance and power optimizations for 6G. Role involves end-to-end system ownership from concept to silicon bring-up and productization, with cross-functional collaboration across eco-system teams, SoC, PHY, PHY HW, PHY FW, and L1 SW.

Responsibilities

  • Define & architect system-level features and requirements for next-generation cellular modems, with a focus on 6G evolution and advanced PHY/L1 capabilities.
  • Own the E2E system view — connect 3GPP standard requirements, algorithm design trade-offs, HW/FW architecture constraints, and product-level targets into cohesive, leading-edge solutions.
  • Design algorithms for the physical layer, across layers and L1/RF control to optimize performance/power.
  • Model & simulate algorithms in floating-point and fixed-point using MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python, and validate, through link-level simulation or correlating with data collected from field and real deployments.
  • Optimize for user experience by driving performance and power efficiency improvements across the wireless stack — translating system-level insights into tangible gains in throughput, latency, battery life, and connectivity reliability based on real world deployments

Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Strong knowledge of cellular communication standards and associated feature sets: 6G (emerging), 5G NR, 4G LTE — particularly RAN1 3GPP.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python for algorithm development, fixed/floating-point modeling, and link-level simulation.
  • Experience leveraging Generative AI and LLM-based tools to accelerate engineering workflows — e.g., algorithm prototyping, code generation, simulation analysis, or technical documentation
  • Experience in Layer-1/2 control design of cellular systems.
  • Experience in low-power algorithm design for power-constrained mobile platforms.
  • Experience in end-to-end timeline analysis for latency-critical PHY processing chains.
  • Strong mathematical foundations: linear algebra, stochastic processes, detection & estimation theory.
  • Familiarity with 3GPP standardization processes, RAN2, RAN4 topics and emerging 6G study items (e.g., AI/ML for air interface, joint communication and sensing, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces).
  • Track record of published research or patents in wireless communications is a plus.

Skills

Required:System-level feature definition3GPP standard alignmentAlgorithm design for PHY/L1Modeling and simulation (floating/fixed-point)Power/performance optimizationLow-power algorithm designEnd-to-end timeline analysisMathematical foundations

Benefits

  • Discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation
  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, discounts on products and free services, reimbursement for certain educational expenses (tuition)
  • Apple shareholder opportunities via stock programs and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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