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Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Bluetooth MAC Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Preferred Qualifications Strong understanding of BT MAC layer protocol. Working knowledge ... Experience of SoC design and validation to support wireless communication system. Experience on low ...

Apple

Wireless System Engineer (Cupertino)

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

We are looking for an expert wireless systems engineer who has deep understanding of wireless protocol interactions within the network, interactions across different layers of wireless protocols ...

Apple

Wireless MAC Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Description Develop MAC layer design for wireless communication SoCs, including creating ... Work with systems and software teams to ensure performance and power efficiency. Collaborate with ...

Apple

Wireless MAC Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Description Develop MAC layer design for wireless communication SoCs, including creating ... Work with systems and software teams to ensure performance and power efficiency. Collaborate with ...

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Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer information

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$129.5K

$249K

How much do mac layer wireless system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mac layer wireless system engineer in the United States is $129,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer do?

A Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer specializes in designing, developing, and optimizing the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols for wireless communication systems. Their role involves ensuring efficient data transmission, managing network access, and enhancing the performance of wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, 5G, or other wireless technologies. They work closely with hardware and software teams to implement features like scheduling, error correction, and resource allocation within the MAC layer. This engineering position requires a deep understanding of wireless protocols, real-time system constraints, and network standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer?

To thrive as a Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer, you need a solid background in wireless communication principles, MAC layer protocols, and a relevant engineering degree (such as Electrical, Computer, or Telecommunications Engineering). Proficiency with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, NS-3), programming languages (like C/C++), and familiarity with wireless standards (such as 3GPP, IEEE 802.11) are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These competencies ensure robust protocol design, optimize wireless system performance, and enable efficient cross-functional development.

What are some common challenges faced by Mac Layer Wireless System Engineers when integrating new wireless protocols?

Mac Layer Wireless System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring backward compatibility with legacy devices, optimizing protocol efficiency to handle varying network loads, and minimizing latency for real-time applications. Balancing security requirements with performance and managing resource allocation across diverse hardware platforms are also key hurdles. Close collaboration with firmware, hardware, and application teams is essential to address these complexities and deliver robust, scalable solutions.

What is the difference between Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer vs Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer?

AspectMac Layer Wireless System EngineerRadio Frequency (RF) Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications, or related fields; certifications like CWNA or CCNABachelor's in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning and optimizing wireless network protocols, working with hardware and software teamsDesigning, testing, and troubleshooting RF components and systems
Industry UsageTelecommunications, mobile networks, wireless device manufacturingTelecommunications, aerospace, defense, wireless device manufacturing

The Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer focuses on the software and protocol aspects of wireless networks, while the RF Engineer specializes in the hardware and signal transmission aspects. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct technical focuses within the wireless industry.

What are popular job titles related to Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer jobs?

For Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mac Layer Wireless System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,511 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Sr. Wireless Firmware Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$170K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SR. WIRELESS FIRMWARE ENGINEER (STARLINK MOBILE) 

The Starlink Mobile program is working to provide global cellular connectivity from space. As a wireless firmware engineer, you will play a critical role in developing novel wireless signal processing algorithms, implementing optimized software for use on satellites and ground stations, debugging complex systems and performance issues, and developing production software. This is a unique position which will work closely with both wireless systems engineers and protocol firmware engineers to accelerate wireless PHY development and find solutions to interdisciplinary challenges. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable with wireless signal processing algorithms and high-performance software development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Design and implement physical layer (PHY) algorithms for satellite-based 4G/5G (LTE/NR) eNodeB/gNodeB. 
  • Develop optimized signal processing algorithms running on resource-constrained CPUs. 
  • Develop models and run simulations to analyze and validate overall system performance, including modem performance. 
  • Design, implement, test, maintain, and document the wireless PHY and MAC layers of the protocol stack.
  • Identify and debug complex performance issues across the wireless PHY and MAC layers.
  • Participate in architecture, design, and code reviews. Contribute to system dimensioning and algorithm design for next generation hardware. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or a STEM discipline. 
  • 5+ Years of experience with at least 1 of the following: wireless signal processing, modem systems design, wireless systems engineering, DSP (digital signal processing), or physical layer processing (L1).
  • 5+ Years of C/C++ coding experience. 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Familiarity with 3GPP 4G/5G (LTE/NR) physical layer design or other modern broadband OFDM waveforms such as WiMAX, 802.11 WiFi, DVB-S2, DVB-C, 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks). 
  • Familiarity with forward error correction (FEC) coding concepts. 
  • Basic familiarity with MAC layer (medium access control, L2). 
  • Development and optimization of complex signal processing algorithms in both fixed and floating point. 
  • Familiarity with Linux command line use, git-based version control, and python programming. 
  • SDR (software defined radio) experience.
  • Experience supporting products through the full release cycle including commercial deployment.
  • Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay Range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $170,000.00 - $235,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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