Hardware System Engineer - AirPods System Technologies

Role Number: 200693964Team: HardwareLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-11-06SummaryThe AirPods System Technologies Team is looking for electrical engineers who are eager to help define technologies that will be fundamental to our future products. Our team is responsible for architecting, developing, and delivering features and technologies that fit within the most challenging physical and power envelopes in a way that only Apple can.DescriptionAs part of the team you will be responsible for developing system-level specifications, analyzing, and reviewing designs for custom silicon — from both in-house designers and third-party vendors — as well as evaluating how sensing and signal processing subsystems integrate into the broader architecture. You will seek out and investigate new technologies that can be leveraged to deliver groundbreaking new features to our customers, and you will work through feasibility studies for novel systems during early concept phases.Specific focus areas include system integration and architecture of custom silicon, analysis of interface and data path efficiency, and the evaluation of user-facing use cases as they impact all of these. You will be responsible for comprehending end-user features and translating them into low-level electrical and architectural specifications across the full signal chain — from analog front ends and sensing modules through digital processing and firmware interfaces.Knowledge of how various submodules of a complete system architecture interact is critical for projecting and mitigating coexistence issues at the architectural level. Working within the tiny power and physical envelope that AirPods demand requires careful consideration of every microwatt and every square millimeter. Nothing comes for free, so you will need to understand and navigate all the tradeoffs across various engineering disciplines to come to a realizable solution.Minimum QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent7+ years of proven experience in electronic system design, or in top-level chip architecture / specificationExcellent EE fundamentals: basic circuits, analog, digital, powerFamiliarity working with open ended constraints and relying on understanding the user experience to define electrical requirementsPreferred QualificationsMasters or Ph.d in Electrical Engineering or equivalentAcquaintance with the ASIC / semiconductor development and manufacturing processFamiliarity with common digital architecture fundamentals such as memory and power state managementUnderstanding of how computer design tradeoffs affect power consumptionAbility to traverse the full stack — from analog sensing front ends through digital signal processing up to how subsystem performance manifests in user-facing featuresKnowledge of digital signal processing techniques and implementation tradeoffsAbility to understand tradeoffs amongst the electrical, mechanical, and software domainsPractical knowledge with various communication protocols (especially USB, SPI, I2C and UART)Hands-on experience in prototype bring-up, debugging and functional verification is extremely beneficialPay & 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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.