Source description
About the role
Hardware System Engineer – iPhone System Technology - SoC
Cupertino, California, United StatesHardware
At Apple, we don't just engineer products — we engineer the future. Every iPhone represents thousands of decisions made by brilliant, curious, and driven people who refuse to accept "good enough." As a Hardware System Engineer on the iPhone System Technologies team, you'll be at the heart of that process, shaping the silicon foundation that powers one of the world's most iconic devices.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of SoC architecture, power, thermal, performance, and IO integration — collaborating with world-class engineers across hardware, silicon, and software disciplines to solve some of the most complex challenges in mobile technology. From early architecture planning through production, your work will directly shape how Apple's most advanced silicon comes to life inside iPhone.
If you're energized by the idea of shaping the technology that billions of people rely on every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Work directly on SoC system integration across IO interfaces, power delivery, thermal management, and performance optimization Contribute to SoC system architecture development, including system/IO block diagrams, clock tree, and silicon planning for next-generation iPhones Participate in the review and sign off on schematics and MLB ok2fab, ensuring design integrity from concept to manufacture Collaborate with cross-functional teams on SoC silicon planning and bring-up, leading SoC system validation, issue debugging, and factory test execution Drive system-level optimization of SoC power, thermal, and performance to push the boundaries of Apple silicon on iPhone Review and sign off on SoC architecture and specifications, ensuring alignment across hardware, silicon, and software teams Travel internationally to support critical development and production milestones across key global sites
-
BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
-
Minimum 2 years of industry experience
-
Strong EE fundamentals paired with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
-
Proven hands-on experience in SoC and system-level bring-up, testing, and debugging
-
Working knowledge of SoC power, performance, and thermal characterization
-
Familiarity with a broad range of IO interface protocols, such as USB, PCIe, MIPI, UART, JTAG, SPI, and I2C
-
MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
-
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
-
Deep expertise in mobile SoC architecture with a focus on power efficiency, performance tuning, and thermal characterization
-
Comprehensive hands-on experience across the full SoC bring-up and debug lifecycle, from initial power-on to production readiness
-
Advanced knowledge of high-speed interfaces (USB3, PCIe, MIPI) and low-speed interfaces (I2C, SPI, GPIO), with a strong ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex interface issues
-
Expertise in SoC system power and performance modeling to inform architectural decisions
-
Broad system-level understanding of SoC integration with subsystems, including camera, sensors, RF, PMIC, and charging architectures
-
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python or TCL for test automation and data analysis
-
Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills with the ability to drive alignment across diverse teams in fast-paced environments
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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
Content has loaded
More at Apple
Related open roles
Metal Additive Prototyping Specialist
San Francisco Bay Area · Onsite
Camera Hardware Design and Test Engineer
Taiwan
Custom Circuits Design Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area
Product Design Engineer - iPhone
San Diego
Interconnect Product Design Engineer
San Francisco Bay Area
DFT CAD Engineer
Austin