Job Description
Cellular 4G/5
G System Performance Engineer San Diego, California, United States Hardware Summary Posted:
Jun 01, 2026 Role Number:
200666099-3543 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 team, you'll craft sophisticated leading-edge embedded firmware that deliver more performance in our products than ever before. You'll work across disciplines to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you'll help us innovate new wireless systems 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. Description Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product? As a Cellular 4G/5G System Performance Engineer, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular system / firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for designing and productizing state-of-the-art cellular SoCs. This position requires someone comfortable will all aspects of embedded system/firmware verification, that thrives in a dynamic cross-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to pivot on constantly evolving requirements. Responsibilities Collaborate with system engineers and firmware developers to understand details of system design, feature design and FW implementation Design performance verification lab use cases and test cases to effectively identify potential UE performance issues and ensure overall UE performance meet expectations Collaborate with system engineers, firmware developers, integration, and test engineers to troubleshoot performance-related issues and enhance the overall UE performance Develop test scripts over lab network emulator (TE) to implement defined performance test cases or reproduce issues Guide test executors in performing validation of new and existing features. Minimum Qualifications BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience. Advanced knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack and procedures. 5+ years of experience in 4G/5G development / system engineering / device performance verification. Experience in investigating and troubleshooting cellular device performance issues. Strong analysis and debugging capabilities to be able to debug performance issues and work with firmware development and systems design teams to close these issues. Understanding of software engineering principles, and core computer science fundamentals. Proficient in scripting or programming languages such as Python, C/C++. Experience and knowledge of multiple 4G/5G signaling and physical layer test equipment (Keysight/Anritsu/R&S) along with their automation interfaces. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D degree in wireless communication or electrical engineering. Advanced knowledge of 4G/5G physical layer, protocol stack, and procedures. Over 10 years of experience in 4G/5G development / system engineering / device performance verification. Experience in investigating and troubleshooting cellular device performance issues. Strong analysis and debugging capabilities to diagnose performance issues and collaborate with firmware development and systems design teams to resolve them. Deep understanding of software engineering principles and core computer science fundamentals. Proficient in scripting or programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java. A solid grasp of automation tool chain. Extensive experience and knowledge of various 4G/5G signaling and physical layer test equipment (including Keysight, Anritsu, and R&S) and their automation interfaces. Solid knowledge in Layer 2/Layer 3/ NAS and network performance optimization (a plus). Experience with network emulators, silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms a plus. Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $171,600 and $302,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Note:
Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program. 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. 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. Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
