Job Details

Software Development Engineer - Firmware Manager

San Diego, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Aug 26, 2025

Role Number: 200616973-3543

Imagine what you can do here. Apple is a place where extraordinary people gather to do their lives best work. Together we create products and experiences people once couldn’t have imagined, and now, can’t imagine living without. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do.

Description

APPLE INC has the following available in San Diego, California. Oversee a team of firmware engineers. Work on all stages of the product development cycle with a vertically integrated technology team in order to explore and execute haptic technologies. Bring up proof-of-concept prototypes and demos to help Design teams explore and evaluate new interactions such as solid state buttons. To ensure we craft well-considered features, architect low-latency, end-to-end haptics solutions with touch/force sensors by collecting requirements, constructing block diagrams, and reviewing hardware schematics using Cadence, Omnigraffle, and Keynote. Negotiate and specify communication protocols, operating models, and feature requirements with the software driver teams to ensure optimal operation of full-stack firmware and software features. Develop and document firmware features on prototype hardware and custom silicon, integrate actuator control algorithms with tight real-time requirements using DSP concepts, while working with factory teams to meet test and calibration requirements for performance uniformity across large manufacturing populations. To meet our especially high-quality bar, bench-test firmware to ensure it meets performance, power, and thermal requirements using tracers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. Debug and root cause issues with QA to deliver high-quality, robust firmware to production using version control repositories as well as release management and CIT infrastructure. 40 hours/week. 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 $188,200 - $283,200/yr and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

PAY & BENEFITS: 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: https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field and 4 years of experience in the job offered or related occupation.

• 4 years of experience with each of the following skills is required:

• Using C or C++ for embedded systems, including real-time interrupt-driven programming and drivers for numerous communication buses such as I2C, SPI, USB, GPIOs, ADCs, and timers.

• Experience interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and actuators (e.g. LRA, VCA, Piezo)

• Experience in embedded peripherals and protocols (DMA, USB, UART, SPI, and I2C)

• Experience in firmware design in bare-metal or RTOS environments, including RTOS, interrupt-driven, state machine, and super loops.

• Experience in board bring-up, and debugging skills with JTAG, mixed-signal oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.

• Experience delivering highly testable code with documentation to Quality Engineering teams

• Experience working to drive clarity in requirements between features from electrical hardware and vision from product design teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• N/A

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

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