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Apple
Wireless RF OTA Cellular Validation Engineer
Career Insights for Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer
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What they do
A Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer works with technology and electronic equipment that uses radio waves, from cell phones to radio stations. Designs, installs, and repairs systems and equipment that transmit radio signals. May specialize in design or maintenance; may focus on the design of transmission equipment, such as radio antennae, or manage larger systems such as networks of cell phone towers.
$145,700 / year median in California
-4% projected decline
Job Description
At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people's lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple's customers every day. Apple's Wireless System Engineering team is looking for an engineer to work on radiated system characterization/algorithm validation across different cellular technologies for Apple's wireless products and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Description You will be part of a cross-functional team responsible for validating and certifying wireless performance across Apple's product portfolio. Working hands-on at the intersection of hardware, software, and regulatory compliance, you will translate carrier and industry requirements into test cases, execute OTA validation plans, support certification testing at third-party labs, and debug wireless performance issues alongside antenna, RF hardware, Chipset design, Product design, Field, and software engineering teams - building deep expertise across wireless technologies and RF systems alongside some of the best engineers in the industry.","responsibilities":"Drive wireless performance validation across carrier and industry certification test setups, including final certification at third-party labs (CTIA, 3GPP, ETSI, NAL, PTCRB), ensuring Apple products meet the highest conformance standards. Translate carrier, regulatory, and industry requirements into actionable test cases, ensuring product validation covers all certification, performance, and compliance criteria. Define and execute validation plans for custom software features. Debug marginal and failure tests with cross-functional teams - RFHW, Antenna, System, Field, Product Design, and others - and drive design changes to address issues. Own and continuously improve test setups, ensuring lab environments are calibrated, reliable, and ready for next-generation product testing. Plan and execute final certification testing at third-party test labs for PTCRB, CTIA, and 3GPP testing. Contribute to evolving Apple's wireless characterization methodologies as new cellular technologies emerge. Preferred Qualifications MSEE degree with 10+ years relevant experience. Understanding of PHY Layer and MAC/application layer protocols. Exposure to AI tools and workflows (e.g., LLMs, AI coding assistants, automation platforms) to boost productivity and engineering efficiency. Experience driving certification programs at third-party labs (PTCRB, CTIA, CWG). Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to multitask across various disciplines. Analytical curiosity and a structured approach to diagnosing complex RF and wireless performance issues. Excellent communication skills required, both written and verbal. Minimum Qualifications BS degree with 10+ years relevant experience. Hands-on working experience with antenna design and testing, anechoic chambers, RF test equipment, and Radio Communication tester (CMX/UXM/MT8000A). Solid understanding of RF component characteristics and behavior. Solid understanding of