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

Apple Inc

San Diego, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Apple, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Bug Tracking/Defect Management, Chipset, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Continuous Deployment/Delivery, Continuous Integration, Cross-Functional, Customer Experience, Data Analysis, Debugging Skills, Ecosystems, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Emerging Technology, Emulators, Field Trials, Industry Standards, Integration Testing, Interoperability, Interoperability Testing, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Equipment, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Testing, MIMO, Machine Tool, National Security Agency (NSA), Network Architecture/Engineering, Network Connectivity, Network Performance/Analysis, Network Protocols, Performance Testing, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Protocol Analysis, Protocol Stack, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Radio Frequency, Reporting Dashboards, Root Cause Analysis, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Engineering, System Test, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Presentation, Telecommunications, Test Data, Test Equipment, Test Harness, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Scenario, Test Strategy, Test Tools, Testing, Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Unix Shell Programming, Validation Plan, Wireless Communications, Wireless Protocols/Standards, iOS
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
27 days ago

At Apple, we push the boundaries of whats possible - and that starts with the engineers who test it. As a System Test Engineer on our Wireless Technologies team, youll 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.

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, youll 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. 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 Masters 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 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

About the Company

A

Apple Inc

We bring amazing people together to make amazing things happen.

We’re a diverse collection of thinkers and doers, continually reimagining what’s possible to help us all do what we love in new ways. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as with services, including iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. And the same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices — strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it.

About Apple

There’s a place here for every kind of brilliant. Everyone here is an innovator, or an innovator-to-be, no matter what your team or your role. So bring your passion, courage, and original thinking and get ready to share it, because every new product, service, or feature we invent is the result of people working together to make each others’ ideas stronger. Innovation at this level depends on people who represent the variety of the human experience and inspire us with their own fresh perspectives. Together, we’ll do amazing work that can make a difference in people’s lives. Including your own. Learn more about working at Apple.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Computer/IT Services
FOUNDED
1976
WEBSITE
https://www.apple.com/jobs