Wifi MAC System Architect

Summary
We are seeking talented, creative and disciplined engineers to join the best-in-class team that plays a significant part in the development of new silicon for Apple eco-systems by engaging in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment. As a Wireless MAC System Architect, you will be a core member of our highly innovative and visible Wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) design team that defines modem architectures, develops MAC-layer algorithms, and invents embedded DSP algorithms for chips enabling exciting new wireless applications. You will be responsible for developing state-of-the-art wireless SoC products that are enjoyed by millions of Apple customers. Application areas include ultra-wideband sensing and specialized wireless audio; products enabled or improved by our team’s SoCs include specialized audio headsets (such as AirPods), watches and iPhones.

Description
In this role you will be responsible for the architecture of the Connectivity IP with focus on the MAC sub-system: - Define, document and Spec Connectivity MAC architecture and performance requirements

• Analyze & simulate the performance of the Connectivity IP in real-life use-cases, achieving benchmarking performances in several metrics, including Throughput, Robustness, Co-existence with other Wireless IPs and more
• Working closely with other architects (PHY, Power Management, FW and SW) to introduce best in class Connectivity IP solution
• Develop innovative system architectures and protocols to deliver best-in-class performance for the MAC subsystem of custom wireless silicon solutions
• Introduce cross-domain features where opportunities exist for innovation to achieve enhanced performance
• Produce MAC architecture, specifications and corresponding performance/reference modeling in support of digital HW and FW design and verification efforts
• Develop and maintain a MAC systems infrastructure applying the best methodologies for system-level simulation, pre-silicon prototyping (including emulation and FPGA prototyping), FW QA, regression and MTBF testing, and system verification to ensure first-time design success
• Support the delivery of new wireless technologies to the Product Systems teams
  
  

• At least 7 years of industry experience in Wireless MAC HW architecture / MAC design micro-architecture
• Extensive technical background in one or more of the following:
• MAC system engineering, including familiarity with media access protocols and related industry standards
• Wireless MAC standards, such as those found in IEEE 802.11, 802.15, Bluetooth or 3GPP
• Communications systems, including familiarity with Radio and PHY layer concepts
• HW / SW partitioning and the related tradeoffs, including how to balance those for optimal power consumption, die area, flexibility, etc.
• Firmware development principles and methods, including FW regression testing, QA, and protocol interoperability testing
• SoC development, low-power design and implementation, and digital architecture fundamentals
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills – both written and oral
  
  

• B.Sc/ M.Sc in Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science or related field