Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Validation Engineer

Wireless RF OTA Connectivity Validation Engineer Santa Clara, California, United States Hardware Apple’s Wireless System and Compliance Engineering team seeks an engineer to work on radiated system characterization and performance analysis across different connectivity technologies (WLAN, BT, UWB, GNSS) for Apple’s wireless products. 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, product design, 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 (PTCRB, CTIA, CWG), 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, Product Design, EE, 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 CWG testing. Contribute to evolving Apple’s wireless characterization methodologies as new connectivity technologies emerge. Minimum Qualifications Hands‑on working experience with antenna design and testing, anechoic chambers, and RF test equipment. Solid understanding of RF component characteristics and behavior. Solid understanding of at least one wireless technology: IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, GNSS, LTE, GSM, UMTS, or CDMA. Preferred Qualifications Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). Understanding of PHY Layer and MAC/application layer protocols. Proficiency in MATLAB simulations. Hands‑on experience with RF test equipment from industry‑leading vendors (e.g., Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz). Familiarity with OTA test standards and methodologies (e.g., CTIA, 3GPP). 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. Apple’s base pay for this role is between $126,800 and $220,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees may become shareholders through discretionary employee stock programs, restricted stock units, and a stock purchase plan. Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, discounted products and services, and education reimbursement for career‑advancing studies. The role may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission payments, and relocation assistance. 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. Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apple Inc.