Demo

Validation Engineer

Jobs via Dice
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/1/2026
Description

As a Cellular RFIC Validation Engineer supporting Apple's HWT Cellular RF team, you will assist Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) with the bring-up, characterization, and release of cellular transceiver SoCs. This is a hands-on bench role -- you'll be in the lab daily working with real hardware across the full RFIC validation lifecycle, from initial bring-up through optimization for ATE and platform-level testing.

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

Supporting IC design verification and chipset bring-up alongside senior engineers and DRIs

Executing block-level characterization across transmitter, receiver, PLL, DSP, and data converter components

Developing and maintaining Python test scripts for device control, bench automation, and data analysis

Building performance lookup tables across gain settings and circuit combinations to validate metrics including intermod, EVM, power, and IQ calibration

Characterizing RF performance across operating conditions and identifying marginal or failure points through data mining

Contributing to chipset optimization and preparing releases for platform-level and ATE testing

Supporting ATE engineers during production transition as needed

Collaborating with circuit designers and system integration engineers on debug and root cause analysis

This role is fully onsite at Apple's campus in San Diego (NO hybrid/remote work). Local candidates only; relocation is not supported.

Skills

python, electromagnetic/circuit simulation tools, Rf design, Validation, run tests, C/C scripting, Radio frequency

Top Skills Details

  • Python automation -- Non-negotiable. Must be able to write and maintain test scripts for device control, data collection, and failure analysis. This is the primary tool for bench automation on the team.
  • RF block-level knowledge -- Must have hands-on understanding of LNA, PLL, VCO, ADC/DAC, mixers, and baseband filters. Circuit-level testing requires the ability to interpret schematics and understand how individual blocks contribute to system performance.
  • RF systems understanding and measurement fundamentals -- Must be able to work with key RF metrics: intermodulation distortion, EVM, IQ mismatch, gain/power, and calibration concepts. Proficiency with standard lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, phase noise analyzers) is required.
  • IC bring-up and validation experience -- Must have direct experience bringing up and characterizing RFICs -- this is not a systems or architecture role. The engineer needs to be hands-on at the bench, capable of running characterization tests, building gain/performance lookup tables, and supporting debug alongside the design team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience supporting ATE engineers or exposure to mass production test environments

Familiarity with DSP concepts: channel decimation, up/down sampling, equalization, noise and DC removal

AI/ML applied to RF validation -- pattern recognition, failure mode prediction, test optimization

MATLAB or C for test automation or signal processing

Modern software practices: version control, CI/CD, containerization

MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering (required); coursework in RF/Microwave Engineering, Analog/Mixed-Signal Design, DSP, or Machine Learning preferred

Education & Experience:

BSEE or MSEE/Higher, or equivalent education.

Coursework or experience in antenna/RF design, wireless communications, EM, or circuits.

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

>About TEKsystems:

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems And TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $65 - $85

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