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Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Wireless PHY Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Our team sits at the forefront of modem architecture, physical-layer algorithm research, and ... Description As a Wireless PHY Systems Engineer, you will lead the research, modeling, and ...

Apple

Wireless PHY Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

Our team sits at the forefront of modem architecture, physical-layer algorithm research, and ... Description As a Wireless PHY Systems Engineer, you will lead the research, modeling, and ...

Apple

Wireless PHY Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Join Apple's Wireless SoC team - one of the most innovative and high-impact groups in the industry ... You will work closely with PHY systems and algorithm engineers, analog and digital designers, and ...

Apple

Wireless PHY Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$122K - $214K/yr

Join Apple's Wireless SoC team - one of the most innovative and high-impact groups in the industry ... You will work closely with PHY systems and algorithm engineers, analog and digital designers, and ...

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Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer information

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$73K

$129.5K

$249K

How much do wireless phy algorithms engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for wireless phy algorithms 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 is a wireless PHY algorithms engineer?

Wireless PHY Algorithms Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize algorithms for the physical layer (PHY) of wireless communication systems. They work on technologies such as 5G, Wi-Fi, and other wireless standards to ensure efficient signal transmission, reception, and processing. Their work involves tasks like channel coding, modulation, signal detection, and interference mitigation. These engineers often collaborate with hardware and software teams to implement their algorithms on real-world devices.

What does a wireless PHY algorithms engineer do?

As a Wireless PHY Algorithms Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, simulation, and optimization of physical layer algorithms for wireless communication systems. Typical daily tasks include developing signal processing algorithms, analyzing system performance, and collaborating closely with hardware, software, and system integration teams to implement and validate your solutions. You'll often participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure your algorithms align with overall product requirements, and you may also contribute to technical documentation and patent filings. This role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge wireless technologies such as 5G, Wi-Fi, or emerging standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wireless PHY algorithms engineer?

To thrive as a Wireless PHY Algorithms Engineer, you need a strong background in digital signal processing, wireless communications theory, and typically a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, programming languages such as C/C++, and knowledge of wireless standards (e.g., 5G, LTE) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing robust physical layer algorithms that ensure reliable, high-performance wireless communication systems.

What is the difference between Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectWireless Phy Algorithms EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsDegree in Electrical Engineering, Communications, or related fields; knowledge of signal processingDegree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related fields; certifications like FCC or RF-specific training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, wireless technology companiesManufacturing facilities, testing labs, telecommunications companies
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing physical layer algorithms for wireless protocolsDesigning, testing, and troubleshooting RF hardware and systems

While both roles focus on wireless technology, the Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer specializes in developing algorithms for the physical layer, whereas the RF Engineer concentrates on hardware and RF system design and testing. Both roles are essential in wireless product development but differ in their core focus and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer jobs?

For Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wireless Phy Algorithms Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,511 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Wireless PHY Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Apple's Wireless SoC team is seeking an exceptional Wireless PHY Systems Engineer to help define the future of wireless technology in Apple products. Our team sits at the forefront of modem architecture, physical-layer algorithm research, and embedded DSP innovation - delivering the wireless capabilities that make AirPods, Apple Watch, iPhone, and other Apple products extraordinary.
In this role, you will drive end-to-end simulation and algorithm development for complex wireless systems, spanning Bluetooth and UWB protocol stacks, propagation channel modeling, RF/antenna behavior and PHY & MAC protocols. You will bring deep technical expertise, scientific rigor, and a forward-looking perspective - including the application of AI/ML methods - to solve some of the hardest wireless systems challenges in the industry.
This role is ideal for those who thrive at the boundary of theory and silicon, and who wants their work to reach hundreds of millions of people through world-class consumer products.
Description
As a Wireless PHY Systems Engineer, you will lead the research, modeling, and simulation of sophisticated wireless systems across the full signal chain. You will work at the intersection of algorithm invention, system-level analysis, and hardware realization - collaborating with PHY/algorithm engineers, analog and digital designers, and firmware/software teams to develop physical-layer features for next-generation SoC designs.
You will apply AI/ML-driven approaches alongside classical signal processing methods to push the boundaries of simulation fidelity, algorithm performance, and system understanding. Your work will directly influence chip architecture decisions and the wireless capabilities of future Apple products.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Strong systems-level mastery of complex wireless architectures, including the ability to reason rigorously about cross-layer dependencies between RF, PHY, MAC, and higher protocol layers.
Extensive hands-on software programming skills for system modeling and simulation, with required proficiency in MATLAB and C/C++.
Experience with fixed-point design and RTL vector generation.
Experience collecting, processing, and visualizing large-scale field and simulation datasets, including performance metrics such as measurement accuracy, latency, and throughput.
Familiarity with analog/RF impairments common in wireless systems (e.g., phase noise, IQ imbalance, nonlinearity).
Experience with or knowledge of wireless standards such as Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), or other wireless protocols.
Experience in lab FPGA/silicon bring-up, PHY/RF/MAC testing, and use of RF lab equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
MSEE/Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Digital Communications, Signal Processing, or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML methods to wireless systems - such as learned channel estimation, AI-driven receiver design, neural network-based signal detection, or ML-assisted simulation data analysis.
Proficiency with Python and data science/ML libraries (e.g., NumPy, PyTorch, scikit-learn) for simulation automation and AI-assisted analysis workflows.
Experience with High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools for algorithm-to-hardware translation.
Prior engagement with wireless standards organizations or industry consortia (e.g., IEEE 802.15, Bluetooth SIG, FiRa Consortium).
Experience with simulation automation, regression frameworks, or CI/CD pipelines for large-scale system simulation.
Track record of technical publications, patents, or contributions to the broader wireless research community.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present complex research findings and system trade-offs to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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