RFIC Validation and Characterization Engineer

The Wireless RFIC team architects, designs, and validates the radio transceivers integrated into Apple's complex wireless SoCs. Our transceivers power the wireless connectivity of Apple's products, delivering industry-leading performance in the smallest form factors and at the lowest power. As a member of the RFIC team, you will test, debug, and characterize RF SoC IP, and contribute to innovative transceiver development in close partnership with Apple's systems and product teams. Would you like to join this dynamic team?

Description

In this role, you will be a key contributor delivering end-to-end RF integration solutions for our advanced wireless SoC products, supporting the full product lifecycle from design and development through mass production. You will own the critical first bring-up of our wireless SoC RF, lead final silicon validation, and ensure compliance with rigorous industry standards. Your work will center on hands-on bench testing, debugging, and system characterization to ensure our RF IP meets and exceeds its performance targets. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise across both hardware and software — spanning wireless transceiver architecture, RF systems, DSP, embedded systems, and the full productization of world-class products.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on bench testing, characterization, and debugging of RF SoC IP, including transmitters, receivers, PLLs, power amplifiers, and ADCs/DACs. Drive bring-up and functional validation of new wireless SoCs, from first silicon to final product. Design and develop radio calibrations, including algorithm development 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. Collaborate with RF Systems, Design, and Integration teams on board layout, test methodology, and calibration programming. Produce comprehensive RF design verification, characterization, and test reports. Develop and support RF calibration and test routines for ATE in mass production.

Minimum qualifications

Bachelor's degree. Proven experience in RF test development, hands-on debugging, performance characterization, and reporting. Strong 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. Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, wireless transceiver architectures, and digital communication systems. Working knowledge of RF, PLL, and wireless system measurements (e.g., IP3, NF, ACPR, phase noise, lock time). Experience with RF PCB design, layout considerations, and debugging. Familiarity with RFIC block-level schematics and design/simulation environments.

Preferred qualifications

Master's degree with relevant industry experience. Strong RF background and a deep understanding of RF system fundamentals. Experience in RF PCB design, debugging, and development. Exposure to RFIC and SoC design, simulation, and verification.