Cellular RF Systems Architect - Control Algorithms (m/f/d)

Summary

At Apple, our work is dedicated to creating products that connect and enrich people's lives. The Cellular RF Systems Engineering team sits at the very core of that mission, defining the wireless technologies that enable seamless experiences for hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

Role Overview

We are looking for a passionate engineer to design the intelligent control algorithms that orchestrate our RF Front‑End hardware. By translating complex 5G and 6G use cases into optimized RF hardware control strategies, you will directly balance RF performance, power consumption, and thermal limits to deliver a world‑class wireless experience.

Description

In this role, you will be responsible for the optimal interaction between our RF transceivers and RF Front‑End modules. Your primary focus will be breaking down advanced cellular capabilities, such as SRS antenna switching, MIMO and Multi‑SIM, into clear system requirements and concrete control flows. This is a highly collaborative role where you will partner with diverse engineering teams across the entire cellular stack to bring these cutting‑edge concepts into our next‑generation cellular products.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex cellular radio access use cases and specify the required RF hardware control algorithms.
• Develop optimization strategies that maximize RF performance and hardware utilization for demanding scenarios such as Multi‑SIM.
• Author comprehensive system architecture specifications to guide design, implementation, and validation teams.
• Drive end‑to‑end system performance by collaborating tightly with baseband, SoC, RF firmware, and RF hardware teams.
• Validate system architectures and algorithms through rigorous simulation and automated requirements analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 3+ years of industry experience in RF systems or transceiver architectures.
• Deep understanding of 5G NR and LTE‑Advanced physical‑layer procedures, particularly involving MIMO, SRS, and carrier aggregation.
• Strong working knowledge of RF Front‑End architectures and the system‑level impact of components such as PAs, LNAs, filters, and switches.
• Proven track record of developing control algorithms, state machines, or system‑level models for complex hardware.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for data analysis, system modeling, and algorithm development.
• Ability to critically analyze complex trade‑offs, such as routing flexibility versus insertion loss, or throughput versus battery life.
• Strong communication skills with a proven ability to work across diverse, cross‑functional teams to solve highly complex, multi‑disciplinary problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on advanced cellular communication topics.
• 5+ years of experience in RF systems engineering or 10+ years in communications circuit design.
• Hands‑on experience with RF filter technologies, power amplifier characterization, and Front‑End module integration.
• Expertise in designing and simulating analog and digital signal‑processing paths.
• Experience applying Machine Learning or AI techniques to solve system‑level optimization problems.
• History of successfully balancing cutting‑edge hardware innovation with the practical constraints of high‑volume manufacturing.

Apple is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure 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. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

At Apple, we are not all the same. And that’s our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we’ve experienced, and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. We will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations.