Wireless Systems Engineer 6G Cellular Modem

Wireless Systems Engineer — 6G Cellular Modem

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Description

We're looking for a Wireless Systems Engineer to join our cellular systems engineering team as we define and build the next generation of cellular technology. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of wireless communication at a company that ships at global scale as we transition towards 6G. In this role, you'll bring an end-to-end view of wireless systems — spanning 3GPP standards, algorithm design, hardware architecture, and silicon validation — to deliver leading-edge performance and power optimizations that directly improve the user experience across Apple products. If you thrive at the intersection of deep technical theory and hands-on bring-up — and you're excited about pushing beyond 5G into the 6G era — we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• As a Cellular Systems Engineer, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of cellular modem systems — from algorithm design through silicon bring-up and productization. Specifically, you will:
• Define & architect system-level features and requirements for next-generation cellular modems, with a focus on 6G evolution and advanced PHY/L1 capabilities.
• Own the E2E system view — connect 3GPP standard requirements, algorithm design trade-offs, HW/FW architecture constraints, and product-level targets into cohesive, leading-edge solutions.
• Design algorithms for the physical layer, across layers and L1/RF control to optimize performance/power.
• Model & simulate algorithms in floating-point and fixed-point using MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python, and validate, through link-level simulation or correlating with data collected from field and real deployments.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with SoC, PHY, PHY HW, PHY FW, and L1 SW teams to ensure end-to-end system requirements are met across the full stack.
• Optimize for user experience by driving performance and power efficiency improvements across the wireless stack — translating system-level insights into tangible gains in throughput, latency, battery life, and connectivity reliability based on real world deployments.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 20 years relevant industry experience
• Strong knowledge of cellular communication standards: 6G (emerging), 5G NR, 4G LTE — particularly RAN1 3GPP.
• Deep expertise in communication system theory and signal processing: LDPC, Polar, and Turbo coding; signal estimation and detection; AGC; RF impairment estimation and correction; channel estimation; OFDM; MIMO detection; waveform generation and up-sampling.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, and/or Python for algorithm development, fixed/floating-point modeling, and link-level simulation.
• Experience leveraging Generative AI and LLM-based tools to accelerate engineering workflows — e.g., algorithm prototyping, code generation, simulation analysis, or technical documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or Signal Processing, with 20+ years of relevant industry experience is preferred.
• Experience in low-power algorithm design for power-constrained mobile platforms.
• Experience in end-to-end timeline analysis for latency-critical PHY processing chains.
• Hands-on silicon bring-up experience, including use of lab equipment: protocol testers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters.
• Strong mathematical foundations: linear algebra, stochastic processes, detection & estimation theory.
• Familiarity with 3GPP standardization processes, RAN2, RAN4 topics and emerging 6G study items (e.g., AI/ML for air interface, sub-THz bands, joint communication and sensing, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces).
• Track record of published research or patents in wireless communications is 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 $201,300 and $367,400, 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 Benefits 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. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant 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. Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis. Submit Resume Back to search results See all roles in San Diego