Sensing & Imaging Firmware Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States$184,700 - $324,80010+ years

We live in a mobile and device-driven world where knowledge of the physical world around us is essential. Apple is meeting those needs as robustly and creatively as possible, and we're looking for people who want to help us achieve that commitment. The Imaging and Sensing Incubation team prototypes and develops design solutions for user experiences and new technologies across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBooks, and more. Our team creates early-stage hardware systems integrating cameras, non vision sensors like IMUs, magnetometers, accelerometers, microphones, and ambient light sensors—including systems that enable Apple Intelligence features. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, hands-on environment that cultivates engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation.

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

8+ years 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)

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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