RF Systems Architect - Control Algorithms
Apple
IT
Waltham, MA, USA
Posted on Apr 15, 2026
At Apple, our work is dedicated to creating products that connect and enrich people's lives. The Cellular RF Systems Engineering team sits at the very core of that mission, defining the wireless technologies that enable seamless experiences for hundreds of millions of users worldwide. We are looking for a passionate engineer to design the intelligent control algorithms that orchestrate our RF Front-End hardware. By translating complex 5G and 6G use cases into optimized RF hardware control strategies, you will directly balance RF performance, power consumption, and thermal limits to deliver a world-class wireless experience.
In this role, you will be responsible for the optimal interaction between our RF transceivers and RF Front-End modules. Your primary focus will be breaking down advanced cellular capabilities, such as SRS antenna switching, MIMO and Multi-SIM, into clear system requirements and concrete control flows. This is a highly collaborative role where you will partner with diverse engineering teams across the entire cellular stack to bring these cutting-edge concepts into our next-generation cellular products.
- Analyze complex cellular radio access use cases and specify the required RF hardware control algorithms.
- Develop optimization strategies that maximize RF performance and hardware utilization for demanding scenarios like multi-SIM.
- Author comprehensive system architecture specifications to guide design, implementation, and validation teams.
- Drive end-to-end system performance by collaborating tightly with baseband, SoC, RF firmware, and RF hardware teams.
- Validate system architectures and algorithms through rigorous simulation and automated requirements analysis.
- BSEE required.
- Deep understanding of 5G NR and LTE-Advanced physical layer procedures, particularly involving MIMO, SRS, and carrier aggregation.
- Strong working knowledge of RF Front-End architectures and the system-level impact of components like PAs, LNAs, filters, and switches.
- Proven track record of developing control algorithms, state machines, or system-level models for complex hardware.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for data analysis, system modeling, and algorithm development.
- Ability to critically analyze complex trade-offs, such as routing flexibility versus insertion loss, or throughput versus battery life.
- Strong communication skills with a proven ability to work across diverse, cross-functional teams to solve highly complex, multi-disciplinary problems.
- MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- 3+ years of industry experience in RF systems or transceiver architectures with a focus on advanced cellular communication topics.
- 5+ years of experience in RF systems engineering or 10+ years in communications circuit design.
- Hands-on experience with RF filter technologies, power amplifier characterization, and Front-End module integration.
- Expertise in designing and simulating analog and digital signal processing paths.
- Experience applying Machine Learning or AI techniques to solve system-level optimization problems.
- History of successfully balancing cutting-edge hardware innovation with the practical constraints of high-volume manufacturing.
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.