iPhone Hardware Systems Engineer - SOC & System Performance

Role Number: 200694588Team: HardwareLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-11-11SummaryAt Apple, people don't just build products. They build the kind of wonder that has reshaped entire industries. The diversity of our people and ideas drives the innovation behind everything we do, from breakthrough technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it.The iPhone System Engineering team is looking for an Engineer who is passionate about how iPhone performs. You will measure, model, and tune the power, performance, and thermal behavior of future iPhone SoCs and systems. You will work with a collaborative team that cares about getting the details right and about making the right architectural trade-offsOur team is collaborative and we are passionate about what we do. Come join us!DescriptionIn this role, you will:Get your hands on real SOC silicon and real iPhone systems: Run hands-on performance and power measurements with hardware and software tools. Dig into the data, find the root cause of unexpected behavior, and turn what you learn into clear optimization opportunities.Architect for the trade-off: Analyze system behavior across the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memory subsystem. Weigh power, performance, and thermal constraints against each other, and help decide where the next iPhone SoC and system should invest its power and silicon budget.Project the future: Build models, analyses, and simulations that project performance for upcoming iPhone products. Use them to influence architectural decisions across the hardware and software stack.Sweat the details: Correlate models with measurements and question assumptions. Make sure the numbers behind each design decision hold up to scrutiny.Partner broadly: Work with silicon, hardware, and software teams, and present findings and recommendations to engineering and executive leadership to guide product direction.Minimum QualificationsBS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and 3+ years of industry experience.Experience in computer, SoC, or system architecture for mobile devices.Hands-on experience measuring performance with hardware and software tools.Experience in performance modeling, analysis, and debug.Strong programming skills in Python, and experience using AI tools to accelerate analysis and development.A detail-driven mindset, with the rigor to validate data and models before drawing conclusions.Genuine passion for system performance and for building great products.Preferred QualificationsMS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science7+ years of industry experience in performance modeling and/or analysisDeep understanding of the hardware that drives performance, including the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memoryStrong grasp of how power and thermal limits shape system performance, and experience architecting trade-offs among power, performance, and thermal at the SoC or system levelHands-on experience developing simulators or performance analysis toolsGood interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex trade-offs clearly to both technical and executive audiencesPay & 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.