Wireless Systems Researcher

Summary

Apple is seeking a Wireless Systems Researcher to apply RF technology expertise to user-centered research that informs the design and development of Apple's wireless products. This role investigates how real-world usage—such as body-worn interference, crowded RF environments, and multi-device coexistence—impacts wireless performance and the end-user experience.

If you are passionate about RF technologies and obsessed with the user experience, we encourage you to apply.

Description

This role supports all phases of product development, designing and executing rigorous, statistically sound studies that quantify wireless system performance and translate technical findings into actionable product decisions. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams in both Austin and Cupertino, including Human Factors, Antenna Design, RF Design, QA, and Software.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and cross-functional partners in defining critical research questions to inform RF/wireless product development
• Identify and understand user characteristics, environments, and use cases related to RF/wireless connectivity that can impact target performance metrics
• Design and execute user studies to quantify end-to-end RF/wireless system performance and root cause potential shortcomings
• Apply appropriate experimental design principles (e.g., sample size determination, control of confounding variables, appropriate statistical tests) to ensure research findings are valid and actionable
• Partner with Human Factors and Research Operations teams to validate test methodologies and study protocols
• Process, analyze, and visualize data to formulate insights and inform product decisions/trade-offs
• Communicate results and insights to cross-functional stakeholders
• Design and implement novel wireless infrastructure to advance human engineering product validation

Minimum Qualifications

• MS with 3+ years of professional experience or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with strong background in RF/wireless technologies, data analysis/visualization, and human-centered or experimental research
• Experience working with RF and wireless connectivity technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, UWB), preferably for consumer products
• Experience applying statistical methods and experimental design principles (e.g., hypothesis testing, power analysis, regression, risk assessment) to human-subjects or engineering research
• Experience with data processing and visualization using R, Python, MATLAB, or similar techniques
• Experience setting up research plans and schedules
• Experience identifying and directing resources required to execute successful research
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues
• Experience using AI/LLM tools to accelerate research workflows or data analysis
• Strong grasp of the theory behind RF and wireless connectivity technologies
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Willingness and ability to travel within the USA

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of industry experience
• Experience building wireless infrastructure and configuring wireless interference for RF system testing
• Experience conducting research with wearable devices and human body interaction
• Experience with user audio perception analysis and modeling
• Experience with signal processing and wireless protocol simulation/modeling