Software Engineer - Test and Validation

San Diego, California, United States$142,300 - $263,3003+ years

Do you want to make a positive impact on the direction of new, key technologies in consumer products while pioneering the future of intelligent quality assurance? We are the Audio Product System Quality team, and we are seeking a creative and motivated Software Engineer in Test to join our team for advanced audio products like AirPods/AirPods Pro/AirPods Max! You will be a key part of the hardware/software development process and have the opportunity to work closely with firmware/software/hardware teams while we deliver the best audio experience for our customers. To achieve this, it requires building large automated frameworks to gather thousands of iterations of test data weekly, and we need people like you to help us build and maintain our tools for critical functional, stability and performance testing of AirPods products. You'll plan, design and write code for system automation with an emphasis on hardware and firmware-centric risks across a number of devices. You will be at the nexus of hardware, firmware and software where you work cross-functionally with multiple engineering and QA/QE teams to identify risk areas and testing responses, and to support engineering investigations. We expect artificial intelligence and machine learning to be at the core of the work, developing next-generation automation tools that predict, prevent, and optimize critical system failures before they impact customers. Come join our team!

As a Software Engineer in Test you will be responsible for the development of key new areas for AirPods functional, stability and performance test coverage, enhanced by machine learning capabilities while also balancing the day-to-day operations of existing automation that runs thousands of iterations daily.

Help design and implement automated stress, performance and stability tests for embedded systems, with hardware and firmware-centric focus
Contribute to ML-powered test automation frameworks and validation tools
Analyze validation/test data and help build predictive models that detect issues early
Write and update problem reports, including ML-assisted analysis of failures and root causes
Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and QA teams to learn the broader testing landscape and identify automation opportunities
Adapt to rapid project schedules and shifting priorities common in new-product development

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
3 years experience involving machine learning algorithms and their practical applications
Professional work experience testing embedded systems
Hands-on programming experience with Python
Familiarity with software engineering fundamentals (version control, testing, debugging)
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a cross-disciplinary team environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience with hardware/firmware/software validation, hardware/firmware/software integration, or testing methodologies
Experience with Claude code or other AI tools, MCPs and skills
Background in data science, machine learning, computer vision, or statistical data analysis
Knowledge of real-time audio or Bluetooth technologies
Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools such as Tableau or Superset

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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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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