at Apple
Location
San Diego, United States of America
Compensation
$172k–$302k USD
Type
full time
Posted
2 weeks ago
Market range · company + function + seniority
p25 · target · p75 · n=179
Posted $302k · well above market
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In this role, you will be at the forefront of validating next-generation wireless connectivity on Apple products through rigorous interoperability testing across 5G and emerging 6G standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning silicon, software, and RF engineering to design and execute system-level test strategies that span physical layer performance to end-to-end protocol behavior. Working with global carrier partners and industry standards, you'll leverage AI/ML-driven tooling and scalable automation frameworks to uncover issues early and drive quality to the highest bar — all in pursuit of delivering the best possible wireless experience to Apple customers worldwide.
Design, develop, and execute system-level interoperability test plans for 5G NR (Sub-6 and FR2/mmWave) and emerging 6G technologies across commercial and lab network environments
Analyze 3GPP protocol stacks and physical layer behavior to identify failure modes and drive root cause analysis on complex wireless issues
Build and maintain automated test frameworks and AI/ML-assisted diagnostic tools to accelerate test coverage and reduce manual effort
Partner with carrier and chipset partners to define interoperability test scenarios and reproduce field-reported issues in a controlled lab setting
Collaborate with hardware, software, and RF teams to validate new device features against evolving 3GPP specifications
Triage, document, and track defects with clear technical detail, working closely with engineering teams to drive issues to resolution
Contribute to the development of internal test infrastructure, signal analysis pipelines, and reporting dashboards
Stay current with 3GPP Release roadmaps and proactively identify testing gaps as standards evolve
Master's degree (MS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
3+ years of hands-on experience in wireless system testing, interoperability testing, or protocol validation
Deep knowledge of 3GPP standards including 5G NR physical layer (FR1 and FR2/mmWave), RRC, NAS, and related protocols
Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, shell, or similar) for test development and result analysis
Experience with AI/ML tools for test data analysis, anomaly detection, or tool development
Familiarity with lab test equipment such as network emulators, protocol analyzers, and signal analyzers
Experience with 6G research concepts, IMT-2030 frameworks, or pre-standard wireless technologies
Hands-on experience with carrier interoperability testing and field trial environments
Knowledge of 5G core network architecture (5GC), network slicing, and SA/NSA deployment modes
Experience with iOS or embedded platform debugging and log analysis tools
Background in RF performance testing including beam management, MIMO, and FR2 mmWave characterization
Familiarity with test management and CI/CD pipelines for continuous test integration
Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences
At Apple, we push the boundaries of what's possible — and that starts with the engineers who test it. As a System Test Engineer on our Wireless Technologies team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring Apple devices deliver seamless, world-class 5G and 6G connectivity across every network, every carrier, and every corner of the globe. If you thrive at the intersection of deep protocol knowledge and cutting-edge innovation, this is where your expertise will shape products used by hundreds of millions of people.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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