Embedded Real Time Critical Control Firmware Engineer
Apple
Sunnyvale, CA, USA
Posted on Apr 15, 2026
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something. As an Embedded Firmware Engineer passionate about real time critical control on this team, you will be at the center of the embedded 5G/4G/multimode cellular firmware effort within a silicon design group responsible for crafting and productizing powerful cellular SoCs. This position requires someone comfortable with all aspects of embedded firm development, that thrives in a multifaceted multi-functional organization, is not afraid to debate ideas openly, and is flexible enough to shift on constantly evolving requirements.
Design and implement algorithms using minimal memory and cycles with rigid real time deadlines. Use AI/ML as a tool for improved productivity and work on system architectures that implement algorithms using AI/ML principles.
- Implement algorithms such as power gating, tracking loops, spec based physical layer procedures.
- Build validation framework for validation of implemented algorithms.
- Assist in the development of pre-silicon emulation systems/virtual platforms and use them for pre-silicon FW design and HW verification.
- Evaluate and implement powerful tools for build, formal verification and test.
- Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree.
- Understanding of design and implementation of bare metal control firmware which is highly optimized for cycles and memory.
- Understanding of the difference between design for a software platform and a highly constrained firmware environment.
- Understanding of leading feature delivery for a complete firmware/software life cycle.
- Understanding of architecting system level features.
- Fundamental facility with C and C++, compilers, build and source code control tools.
- Understanding of computer architecture with particular emphasis on the HW/SW interfaces of high-speed communication subsystems.
- Some mainstream OS application-level development and Python or Perl scripting experience.
- Foundational knowledge in Machine Learning and Deep Learning: ML algorithms and deep learning architectures (e.g., CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) -AND- using generative AI as a tool for design and implementation.
- Theoretical understanding of the implementation of AI/ML Algorithms: Knowledge of the mathematical foundations of various AI/ML algorithms and how to apply to parameter estimation algorithms -AND- understanding of HW architectures and programming models for how to target algorithms to AIML acceleration HW.
- Understanding of design for asymmetric multiprocessing solutions.
- Understanding of 5G and 4G 3GPP protocols.
- Some familiarity with wireless communications.
- Understanding of silicon prototyping, emulation systems, and virtual platforms.
- Understanding of memory constrained Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and concurrent programming.
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