Hardware Systems Design & Integration Engineer - AirPods

Role Number: 200679461Team: HardwareLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-08-22SummaryAt Apple, new ideas can quickly transform into amazing products, services, and customer experiences. Sound is an essential facet of that experience, and we are committed to making a difference through innovative electronic design. Our team owns the electronics inside small form-factor audio products - pushing the boundaries of physical architecture, wireless and silicon technologies.The AirPods System Integration team turns these ambitions into shipping hardware. We are looking for engineers who want to understand how things work, thrive in ambiguity, and lift the teams around them - people who can dig into a hard problem in the lab and then bring the team along on what they learned and where to go next.If you love building things and shipping products that millions of people wear every day, come help us build the next generation of AirPods.DescriptionYou will own system hardware deliverables across the full product lifecycle - from early architecture and PCB/flex design through prototype bring-up, validation, and production ramp. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with silicon, RF, power, audio, sensor, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams, translating complex electrical trade-offs into decisions the whole program can get behind.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent directly-related work experience5+ years of relevant industry experience designing electronics and/or embedded systemsStrong electrical engineering fundamentals, including analog and digital design, signal integrity, and power integrityHands-on experience with prototyping, bring-up, debug, and validation of electronic systemsProficient in a lab environment with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, and related instrumentationPreferred QualificationsProficiency in PCB and flex design (schematic and layout), with a track record of delivering high-quality designs to aggressive timelinesWorking knowledge across several system domains such as SoC integration, power and battery, inductive power, analog and audio, RF, sensors, ESD, or design of test and automation infrastructure that scales across a program — with the curiosity to go deeper wherever the problem demandsTrack record of driving ambiguous, cross-disciplinary problems to root cause when the path forward isn't obvious and comfortable making measured decisions with incomplete dataProven ability to build alignment across teams and influence decisions with cross-functional partners, contract manufacturers, and executive stakeholdersExperience taking hardware from proof of concept toward mass production, with exposure to contract manufacturing partners a plusDesign validation experience spanning bench characterization through factory test coverage,Experience mentoring engineers and fostering a team environment where ideas from any level are welcomed, challenged, and made betterExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex electrical trade-offs to non-EE audiences — from industrial designers to executivesPay & BenefitsAt 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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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. Learn more about Apple BenefitsNote: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.EEO StatementApple 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 applicantAccessibilityAt 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 workplaceLearn about reasonable accommodations for job applicantsApplication DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.