Hardware Systems Signal Integrity Engineer - iPad

Summary

The iPad hardware team in Austin, TX is seeking Signal Integrity Engineers who are motivated by the opportunity to take on big challenges. In this highly collaborative role, you will work with technology and module teams and apply your knowledge of signal integrity to influence system-level integration, with an emphasis on the design and debug of high-speed interfaces. We are a team of system electrical engineers who own entire products from concept to ship. We sit at the center of Apple's wider engineering team, working cross-functionally with mechanical engineering, software, silicon engineering, and other module teams such as wireless, battery, camera, sensing, display, and factory test. We are creative and passionate about what we do and the products we make. Come join us!

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, with 3+ years of relevant industry experience Hands-on experience with board-level hardware testing and validation, and with lab equipment (TDR, VNAs, scopes, near-field scanning, spectrum analyzers) Hands-on experience with EM and circuit simulation tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS/Maxwell/SIwave, CST, ADS/SPICE/Spectre, Cadence Sigrity) and scripting languages Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience Deep knowledge of system-level high-speed SerDes design and analysis, including transmitter and receiver equalization methods (FFE, CTLE, DFE), CDR behavior and modeling, link-training algorithms, and eye-margining tools Experience performing physical-layer compliance testing of PCIe, USB, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt interfaces Strong EE fundamentals and background in mobile system engineering, including schematic capture and rigid/flex PCB layout Ability to analyze solutions and make system design trade-offs Understanding of design and validation requirements for common interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, JTAG, I2S) and high-speed interfaces (e.g., USB, MIPI, PCIe, HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, DDR, Ethernet) Demonstrated ability to understand technology and debug problems at varying levels of abstraction, from the system level down to the silicon/transistor level

Description

We are seeking a candidate with strong background in signal integrity, including lab and simulation experience. The role requires solid understanding of electromagnetics and transmission line theory, along with experience extracting channel models and simulating EMI and crosstalk. Channel elements include rigid and flex PCBs, connectors, and other components in a mobile system. Beyond technical capability, we prize curiosity, creativity, integrity, leadership, collaboration, and a passion for learning.

Responsibilities

Simulating loss, crosstalk, and coupling to guide layout and system design using 3D/2.5D/2D EM modeling tools Performing time-domain and statistical simulations to qualify signal integrity, and optimizing drive strengths and equalization to ensure adequate voltage and timing margins over high volumes Performing lab measurements such as VNA characterization, eye diagrams, BERTs, and compliance testing Providing design guidelines and support for system architecture, board layout, product bring-up, debug, validation, and factory builds Working with cross-functional teams to define design requirements for improved EM performance and system coexistence, and developing and improving design methodologies to minimize EMI Owning general system EE work beyond signal integrity, such as rigid and flex PCB design and system integration