Cellular Field Design Engineer

Apple

Apple

Design

Cupertino, CA, USA

USD 141,800-213,700 / year + Equity

Posted on Apr 29, 2026
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At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! Do you want to impact millions of users by developing an extra-ordinary product with a prime focus on accuracy, understandability and performance of the product? We are the Apple Field Design Engineering team, and we are seeking a highly motivated and technical individual to work on testing unreleased Apple products. Come join our team and become part of a hands-on group that fosters engineering excellence, creativity and innovation. We are a team of multifaceted, encouraging people and innovative technologies are the norm here. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
You will be responsible for evaluating the latest iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch hardware systems in the field from early prototype to final products. This will be on different network and wireless technologies, including performance metrics creation/evolution, post processing, and analysis of device logs from the field. We are looking for someone who will work with the HW/SW development teams and other multi-functional teams on identifying issues impacting the Cellular functionality and performance. You will perform HW and SW cellular testing on Apple products along with analysis into internal logs to understand/identify root cause.
  • Conduct early-stage evaluations of Apple prototypes and hardware/software systems across 4G and 5G wireless technologies.
  • Execute focused field experiments to assess RF/OTA performance on wireless technologies including LTE and 5G NR.
  • Prepare and maintain test devices for field evaluations, including physical setup, software installation, and ongoing upkeep.
  • Travel to designated test locations to perform field evaluations under both stationary and mobility conditions.
  • Perform post-processing of diagnostic logs and carry out preliminary debugging during and after field test execution.
  • Apply RF fundamentals to conduct deep-dive analysis of internal logs, identifying root causes impacting hardware and system performance.
  • Generate comprehensive system performance test reports highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Review and analyze field data, present findings and insights to peers, partners, and management, and propose actionable design improvements.
  • Continuously improve existing processes and maintain up-to-date technical documentation.
  • Manage device inventory and equipment logistics for both lab and field testing operations.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent major with 2-5 years relevant work experience
  • Hands-on experience with end-to-end testing of cellular technologies that includes test plan preparation, field testing, log analysis & debugging issues
  • Working knowledge in at least one of the wireless technology- 5G NR, LTE/LTE-A, UMTS
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, detailed oriented, analytical, able to work independently
  • Availability to travel for work up to 50% of the year (domestic and sometimes internationally) without restrictions
  • Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent major
  • Deep understanding of cellular protocol stack from LTE PHY/MAC to higher layers, call processing.
  • Experience being responsible for a complete functional area of an application or product with clear communication across multiple levels in the organization.
  • Knowledge of Antenna/ RF design
  • Basic scripting experience (Shell/Perl/Python/Matlab)
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 $141,800 and $213,700, 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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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