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System Test Engineer, 5G/6G Wireless Interoperability - Wireless Technologies and Ecosystems

San Diego, California, United States Software and Services

At Apple, we push the boundaries of what's possible — and that starts with the engineers who test it. As a System Test Engineer on our Wireless Technologies team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring Apple devices deliver seamless, world-class 5G and 6G connectivity across every network, every carrier, and every corner of the globe. If you thrive at the intersection of deep protocol knowledge and cutting-edge innovation, this is where your expertise will shape products used by hundreds of millions of people.

Description

In this role, you will be at the forefront of validating next-generation wireless connectivity on Apple products through rigorous interoperability testing across 5G and emerging 6G standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams spanning silicon, software, and RF engineering to design and execute system-level test strategies that span physical layer performance to end-to-end protocol behavior. Working with global carrier partners and industry standards, you'll leverage AI/ML-driven tooling and scalable automation frameworks to uncover issues early and drive quality to the highest bar — all in pursuit of delivering the best possible wireless experience to Apple customers worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute system-level interoperability test plans for 5G NR (Sub-6 and FR2/mmWave) and emerging 6G technologies across commercial and lab network environments
• Analyze 3GPP protocol stacks and physical layer behavior to identify failure modes and drive root cause analysis on complex wireless issues
• Build and maintain automated test frameworks and AI/ML-assisted diagnostic tools to accelerate test coverage and reduce manual effort
• Partner with carrier and chipset partners to define interoperability test scenarios and reproduce field-reported issues in a controlled lab setting
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and RF teams to validate new device features against evolving 3GPP specifications
• Triage, document, and track defects with clear technical detail, working closely with engineering teams to drive issues to resolution
• Contribute to the development of internal test infrastructure, signal analysis pipelines, and reporting dashboards
• Stay current with 3GPP Release roadmaps and proactively identify testing gaps as standards evolve

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree (MS) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in wireless system testing, interoperability testing, or protocol validation
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP standards including 5G NR physical layer (FR1 and FR2/mmWave), RRC, NAS, and related protocols
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, shell, or similar) for test development and result analysis
• Experience with AI/ML tools for test data analysis, anomaly detection, or tool development
• Familiarity with lab test equipment such as network emulators, protocol analyzers, and signal analyzers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 6G research concepts, IMT-2030 frameworks, or pre-standard wireless technologies
• Hands‑on experience with carrier interoperability testing and field trial environments
• Knowledge of 5G core network architecture (5GC), network slicing, and SA/NSA deployment modes
• Experience with iOS or embedded platform debugging and log analysis tools
• Background in RF performance testing including beam management, MIMO, and FR2 mmWave characterization
• Familiarity with test management and CI/CD pipelines for continuous test integration
• Strong cross‑functional communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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.