Senior Cellular RF Systems Architect - Product RF Definition

Senior Cellular RF Systems Architect - Product RF Definition

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

The Product Definition team sits at the intersection of technology and product integration, shaping the future of wireless systems in our products. We are seeking a Senior Cellular RF Systems Architect to lead the definition, simulation, and validation of ground-breaking RF solutions. This role offers a rare opportunity to work end-to-end — from system concept and specification to architecture, integration, and performance optimization. You'll collaborate across hardware and system design teams, chipset vendors, and infrastructure partners to ensure cellular and wireless technologies deliver best-in-class user experiences. If you view RF system design as both science and art, this is your place to thrive!

As a Senior RF Systems Architect, you will lead the definition, simulation, and validation of RF system architecture to meet product KPIs and user experience goals. This includes designing and analyzing RF systems, conducting end-to-end link simulations (5G NR, LTE, NTN), performing link budget and channel modeling, and optimizing trade-offs in cost, performance, and size. You'll drive alignment across global teams, influence infrastructure and chipset vendors to adopt power-efficient features, and guide system integration efforts through user impact studies and cross-functional collaboration to ensure outstanding wireless performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S Degree with 10+ years relevant work experience
• Strong background in RF system end-to-end simulation and link-level analysis
• Skilled in RF simulation tools such as MATLAB
• Expertise in RF lineup analysis, receiver/transmitter architectures, and calibration/compensation techniques

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.d with 10+ years of working experience in cellular, GNSS or NFC for consumer Ph.d preferred
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP standards, regulatory and carrier requirements, and their system-level implications.
• Programming proficiency for task automation (Python, C, or C++).
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, ability to work independently, a desire to mentor, and demonstrated ability to innovate are required
• Deep knowledge on cellular chipset vendors to evaluate technology readiness and roadmap alignment.
• Experience with RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, and base station emulators.

Pay & Benefits

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 $212,000 and $386,300, 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.

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.