Cellular System Performance Characterization Engineer

Sunnyvale Until 9/21/2026 0+ years exp First posted July 23, 2026 Last posted July 23, 2026
Job description

Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible. As part of a world class modem/RF team, you’ll craft sophisticated groundbreaking embedded firmware that deliver more performance in our products than ever before. You’ll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you’ll help us innovate new cellular technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations! By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you’ll push the industry boundaries of what wireless systems can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world. Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product? In this role, you can combine your passion with world cutting edge 5G technologies that shape our daily life and have great opportunities to explore the engineering process from different perspectives.

Description

Working on the bringup of the cellular end-to-end system including characterization and optimization of RF and system performance in the lab with an emphasis on 5G-NR. Collaborate with multi-functional teams to validate the data and control flows from the Baseband to RF in terms of the various critical metrics. Measure, prioritize, and analyze important metrics data in the lab, and present them with analytics tools. Conduct pre-silicon emulation-based bringup and validation of the cellular system. And simulation-based validation of the control flows and algorithms. Support and maintain high-quality daily Firmware releases.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree.
Experience with Python, C/C++, Matlab, and efficient analysis and automation scripting.
Knowledge of RF performance metrics such as EVM, spectral mask, frequency error, power accuracy, etc.
Hands-on experience in bring up of RFIC in the lab, ability to efficiently use lab equipment (such as VSA, VSG, spectrum analyzer, signal generator, power meter, etc).
Understanding of communication theory and signal processing, AGC, beamforming, Tx power control, mitigation of radio impairments, and calibration algorithms.

Preferred Qualifications

MSEE is preferred.
Knowledge and understanding of 3GPP specs.
Experience with silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms.
Experience with analytics platform software (Tableau, Spotfire or similar).
Chipset Industry working experience.
Working understanding of multiple 4G/5G signaling, and wireless physical layer test equipment (Keysight/LitePoint/Anritsu/R&S) along with their automation interfaces.
Technical background in wireless system physical layer and protocols. Work experience in 5G-NR/LTE/UMTS (3G/2G)/WiFi.
Experience in bring up or performance characterization of wireless systems focusing on the PHY and RF layers.
Hands-on experience in cellular chipsets.

About this role

Summary

Characterize and optimize RF and system performance of cellular systems, focusing on 5G technology.

Job title

Cellular System Performance Characterization Engineer

Experience level

entry level

Minimum experience

0+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

On-site in Sunnyvale, with potential for remote work

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

PythonC/C++MatlabRF performance metricslab equipment

Preferred skills

MSEE3GPPsilicon prototypinganalytics softwarewireless physical layer

Specializations

RFsystem performance5G-NRwireless protocolssignal processing
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

On-site City