Data Center Hardware Engineering - Hardware System Integration Engineer
At Apple, we push the boundaries of what's possible - and nowhere is that more evident than in the infrastructure that powers our most ambitious technologies. The Data Center Hardware Engineering Team designs and delivers the high-performance compute solutions that underpin Apple's services and products at scale. From custom silicon to full-system integration, our work ensures that Apple's global infrastructure is fast, efficient, and built to last. Every system we ship reflects our relentless commitment to engineering excellence and our belief that great hardware is the foundation of great experiences.
The Hardware System Integration team sits at the heart of this mission, owning the design and realization of customized compute platforms from concept to mass production. We're looking for a Hardware System Integration Engineer who thrives in a highly collaborative environment, enjoys working across disciplines, and is energized by the challenge of bringing cutting-edge hardware to life.
Description
As a Hardware System Integration Engineer, you will own the end-to-end hardware engineering lifecycle for high-performance compute designs - from initial specification and schematic capture through board bring-up, validation, and factory build support. You will serve as a critical cross-functional partner to mechanical, power, software, firmware, silicon, and reliability teams, ensuring design requirements are met with precision and at scale. This role demands both deep technical expertise and strong communication skills to drive alignment across a broad set of stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
Lead hardware system design and schematic capture for high-performance compute platforms, including board layout guidance and design constraint management
Engage early in architecture and design reviews to define test strategies, test points, and DFT requirements for ICT, FCT, and DFU
Perform signal integrity simulation, board bring-up, and hands-on debug from system-level down to the transistor level
Develop and maintain functional specifications, validation procedures, and integration documentation for complex system designs
Execute validation of high-speed digital interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, USB, DDR, and others) including compliance testing and protocol analysis
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Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, firmware, software, silicon, and reliability teams to balance design tradeoffs and meet program requirements
Support factory builds and sustaining engineering activities through mass production
Drive issues to root cause through systematic debugging using EE lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer, DMM)
Preferred Qualifications
High-speed PCB design experience with 10+ layer boards, including PCB material selection and stackup definition
Proficiency with schematic entry and high-speed PCB layout constraint management using Cadence tools or equivalent
Hands-on experience with high-speed serial protocols (PCIe, 100-GbE, USB3/USB4) and common low-speed digital interfaces (I2C/SMBus, SPI, JTAG), including compliance testing and protocol analyzer debug
Experience with Design for Test (DFT) methodologies including ICT, FCT, and DFU test architectures
Experience developing factory test tools, data parsers, or test automation frameworks (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
Knowledge of EMC/EMI design principles including grounding and shielding strategies
Familiarity with computer architecture concepts and hardware design tradeoffs
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent work experience
12+ years of relevant industry work experience in hardware or systems engineering
Working knowledge of common digital communication interfaces and signal integrity fundamentals
Broad circuit design experience across multiple domains: power, digital, analog, high-speed communications, and/or programmable logic
Experience with PCB bring-up and characterization using standard EE lab equipment (soldering, DMM, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer)
Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware issues from the system level down to the circuit/transistor level
Understanding of server control plane and data plane architectures
Outstanding written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with experience producing functional specs, integration procedures, and technical documentation
Pay & Benefits
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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
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