Car Key Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

The WTE Quality team is seeking a Senior System Quality Engineer to lead the validation and advancement of Apple's Car Key technology. This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of embedded systems, wireless protocols, and automotive partnerships — someone who can drive a complex, multi-stakeholder project forward through technical excellence and initiative. If you're energized by shaping the future of how people interact with their vehicles, this is your opportunity to make it real.

As a Senior System Quality Engineer on the Car Key team, you will own the execution, analysis, and validation strategies that ensure Apple's Digital Car Key features meet the highest standards of reliability and interoperability. You will work across embedded systems and wireless protocols, leveraging automation frameworks and writing test code in Python while engaging deeply with Objective-C and Swift codebases. This role goes beyond test execution — you will drive test initiatives end-to-end, interface directly with automotive OEM partners on interoperability and certification efforts, and shape the engineering processes that move Car Key forward. You will collaborate closely with development and quality engineers across multiple organizations to qualify complex features spanning iOS, WatchOS, and the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) specification.

• Execute and analyze system-level test campaigns for Car Key features across Apple platforms, identifying root causes and driving resolution
• Drive end-to-end test initiatives for Car Key features, from strategy through execution and release qualification
• Validate system-level functionality across NFC, BLE, and UWB wireless protocols as defined by the CCC Digital Key specification
• Interface with automotive OEM partners on interoperability testing, certification, and issue resolution
• Write and maintain Python-based test suites that exercise embedded system behavior and protocol conformance
• Analyze test results and system behavior to identify trends, regressions, and coverage gaps
• Collaborate with cross-functional development teams to define quality criteria and validation approaches for new Car Key features
• Contribute to the team's adoption of AI/ML technologies and LLM-based tooling to improve test efficiency and coverage

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on test automation, system validation, or quality engineering
• Deep familiarity with wireless protocols including NFC, BLE, and UWB
• Experience testing or validating embedded systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives across multiple teams or partners
• Experience executing large-scale test campaigns and performing systematic failure analysis

• Experience with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key specification or similar automotive connectivity standards
• Background in the automotive industry, particularly in vehicle integration or certification workflows
• Familiarity with AI/ML systems and large language models, with an interest in applying these technologies to improve engineering workflows
• Experience interfacing with external partners or OEMs in a technical capacity
• Proficiency in Objective-C, Swift and/or Python
• Proficiency with git, CI/CD systems, and development integration lifecycles
• Strong analytical and problem-isolation skills with the ability to debug across hardware and software boundaries

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 $144,600 and $263,800, 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 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.