Sensing & Imaging Firmware Engineer

Sensing & Imaging Firmware Engineer

Apple's Incubation team is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to bring prototype hardware systems to life, systems essential to delivering future products, features, and Apple Intelligence capabilities. You'll develop the complete software stack from hardware abstraction layer and drivers through OS integration and middleware, building multi-sensor systems from scratch and influencing hardware, algorithm and application design decisions. Work hands-on in the lab with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers while collaborating with world-class experts in electrical engineering, optics, sensors module, product design, software and system teams.

• Collaborate with system and cross functional teams to define requirements, scope and execute projects
• Develop firmware across the full stack: hardware abstraction layer, device drivers, RTOS, and middleware with robust error handling and recovery mechanisms
• Design and implement drivers for sensors and peripherals
• Implement communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, USB, MIPI)
• Collaborate with hardware teams on component selection, schematic reviews, datasheet analysis, and board bring-up
• Design multi sensors data acquisition pipelines with timing constraints, synchronization, and calibration
• Build and maintain build systems, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing infrastructure, and APIs for test interfaces and validation frameworks
• Partner with iOS/macOS teams to integrate sensor data pipelines into Apple platforms
• Document firmware architecture and communicate technical concepts to cross-functional partners and leadership
• Support systems through the full lifecycle from design through production
• Drive exploration of emerging sensor technologies and novel sensing modalities, prototype early-stage concepts, and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and architectural decisions for future Apple products

• Strong hardware bring-up and debugging skills with proficiency using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters
• Protocol implementation experience (I2C, SPI, UART, USB) and ability to read datasheets, schematics, and PCB layouts
• Experience with RTOS and device driver development including interrupt handling, task scheduling, and synchronization primitives
• Proficiency in C and C++ with strong Python programming skills for scripting and automation
• Excellent communication skills, can-do attitude, and ability to collaborate effectively across multi-functional teams
• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience

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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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 At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.