Hardware Systems Design & Integration Engineer - AirPods
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 20, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 16, 2026. Apple scores A on the Alion truth index.
Every day, hundreds of millions of people reach for AirPods to tune into their world. Behind that seamless, effortless experience is some of the most advanced electrical and mechanical integration in consumer hardware - world-class acoustic performance, custom silicon, sensor fusion, and incredible battery life.
Our team owns the end-to-end electrical design of AirPods. We are seeking a senior technical lead to define what comes next. In this role, you will define system-level architecture, push the boundaries of physical architecture, wireless systems, and custom silicon, and set the technical standard for extraordinary cross-functional teams.
If you thrive on technical rigor and the challenge of turning complex engineering into products the world wears daily, your next chapter is here.
Description
In this role, you will be a hands-on hardware system integrator for an AirPods program, designing, analyzing, and validating hardware from initial concept through mass production. You will drive critical trade-offs-applying rigorous engineering principles to design, optimize, and validate hardware within tight volumetric, thermal, and power constraints. You will work extensively with cross-functional teams and vendors to tackle all kinds of challenges, from development board design to system hardware test and validation and so much more.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
3+ years relevant industry experience designing electronics and/or embedded systems
Strong Electrical Engineering fundamentals (analog/digital design, signal/power integrity, etc.)
Hands-on experience in prototyping, bring-up, debug and validation
Comfortable in a lab environment using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with high volume products / consumer electronics from proof of concept to mass production; prior experience in working with contract manufacturers highly desirable
Expertise in HDI PCB, flex, and/or SIP designs including schematic and layout with strong abilities to implement to a timeline and deliver high quality designs
Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: CPU/SOC, power(DC-DC converters, battery, power management, low power design), analog circuits, audio, RF integration and measurement, sensor design and integration, ESD safety, high speed interfaces
Python / scripting experience
Design validation and bench analysis
Experience working with mechanical design, software, reliability, manufacturing, and operations organizations
Experience with challenging and multi-disciplinary failure analysis
Excellent written and verbal communication skills