Software Development Engineer in Test, Car Key, Wireless Technologies & Ecosystems

Cupertino, California, United States$150,400 - $225,3005+ years

The WTE Quality team is looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test who combines strong programming and debugging instincts with a forward-thinking approach to AI-assisted engineering. This role is at the center of Apple's Car Key validation efforts -- where critical thinking, tight collaboration, and modern tooling converge to ship features that millions of people rely on every day.

As a Software Development Engineer in Test on the Car Key team, you will write, debug, and maintain the automation that validates Apple's Digital Car Key features across embedded systems and wireless protocols. You will work closely with development and quality engineers to identify issues, isolate root causes, and ensure that Car Key functionality meets Apple's quality bar. This role places a strong emphasis on leveraging LLM-based tools like Claude Code to accelerate development workflows, improve test coverage, and solve problems more efficiently. You will be expected to think critically about complex system behavior, collaborate effectively across teams, and continuously push for better ways to validate software at the embedded level.

Write and maintain Python-based test automation that validates Car Key features across NFC, BLE, and UWB protocols
Debug complex issues across embedded systems, isolating failures at the hardware/software boundary
Leverage LLM tools (e.g., Claude Code) to accelerate test development, improve code quality, and streamline engineering workflows
Analyze test results to identify regressions, patterns, and areas requiring deeper investigation
Collaborate closely with development and quality engineers across multiple teams to drive issue resolution
Engage with Objective-C and Swift codebases to understand system behavior and inform test strategies
Contribute to continuous improvement of test infrastructure, tooling, and processes
Participate in team planning and execution to meet quality milestones for iOS and watchOS releases

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on test automation, debugging, or system validation
Strong programming skills in Python
Proficiency in Objective-C and/or Swift
Demonstrated experience using AI/ML tools and LLMs (e.g., Claude Code, coding assistants) to enhance engineering productivity
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to isolate issues in complex systems
Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional team environments

Experience testing or validating embedded systems
Experience with automation frameworks for hardware/software integration testing
Deep familiarity with wireless protocols including NFC, BLE, and UWB
Experience with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key specification
Proficiency with git, CI/CD systems, and development integration lifecycles
Familiarity with prompt engineering and the ability to design effective LLM workflows for engineering tasks

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 $150,400 and $225,300, 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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