Apple · 21 hours ago
Sensing & Imaging Firmware Engineer
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$147K/yr - $272K/yr
3+ years expApple is a leading technology company focused on innovative hardware and software solutions. The Imaging and Sensing Incubation team is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to develop prototype hardware systems that enable future products and Apple Intelligence capabilities, working closely with cross-functional teams to define requirements and execute projects.
AppsArtificial Intelligence (AI)BroadcastingDigital EntertainmentFoundational AIMedia and EntertainmentMobile DevicesOperating SystemsTVWearables
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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 3 years relevant industry experience
Preferred
Relevant industry experience in embedded firmware development with proven track record from concept to production
Experience with multi-sensor systems (cameras, IMUs, magnetometers, accelerometers, microphones, ALS) and iOS/macOS development (Swift, Xcode, Apple frameworks)
Experience with SoC architectures (ARM Cortex-M/A, RISC-V, Apple silicon) and real time control systems
CI/CD for embedded systems, build systems (CMake, Make), cross-compilation toolchains, and requirements gathering experience
MS or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering (or related field)
Benefits
Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
Retirement benefits
A range of discounted products and free services
Reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
Discretionary bonuses or commission payments
Relocation
Company
Apple
Apple is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics, personal computers, and software.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Apple has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6998)
2024 (3766)
2023 (3939)
2022 (4822)
2021 (4060)
2020 (3656)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.67BKey Investors
Berkshire HathawayMicrosoftSequoia Capital
2025-05-05Post Ipo Debt· $4.5B
2025-01-16Post Ipo Debt· $0.31M
2021-04-30Post Ipo Equity
Leadership Team
Tim Cook
CEO
Craig Federighi
SVP, Software Engineering
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