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

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.

Description

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.

Responsibilities:

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

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 $150,400 and $225,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.