Systems Engineer - Input Systems

You will:

Define the system-level architecture for fusing spatial input (hand, wrist, eye, head) with keyboard/mouse/trackpad signals into a single, low-latency interaction model

Set and validate an ambitious input-efficiency improvement target against Mac-only baselines, across representative productivity tasks (text entry, navigation, selection, precision pointing)

Own the specification for how our vision products preserve best-in-class high-rate text input - keyboard remains the backbone for speed; fusion must augment it, not compete with it

Build the measurement methodology and test harness for input efficiency (throughput, error rate, correction cost) and for fatigue/comfort (physical and cognitive), and treat the two as co-primary metrics - no speed win counts if it costs comfort

Decompose the fused-input experience into system requirements and drive them through sensor, firmware, input-stack, and macOS-integration teams

Partner closely with Sense & Constellation (sensor selection/config), Display Systems (latency budget), hand/eye tracking, human factors, and product design to land a coherent end-to-end spec

Run structured human-performance studies, own the resulting data, and be the team's authority on what's actually faster versus what only feels faster

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Human Factors/Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field

Experience designing and running quantitative human-performance studies (e.g. words-per-minute, Fitts's-law target acquisition, task completion time) and defensibly translating results into system/product requirements

Working knowledge of fatigue and comfort measurement methods (EMG, perceived exertion scales, longitudinal wear studies) - including evaluating physical and/or cognitive fatigue in wearable or prolonged-use hardware - and how to hold comfort constant while pushing performance

Experience building or integrating novel text-entry or pointing techniques, or shipping input features that combine wearable sensors with traditional peripherals

Publications, patents, or shipped features in multi-modal input, text entry, or spatial interaction

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Human Factors/Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field

6+ years of experience in systems engineering, HCI, or input-technology roles, ideally on shipped consumer hardware

Deep experience in systems engineering for human input devices (HID), sensor fusion, or human-computer interaction on shipping consumer hardware

Experience with sensor fusion algorithms and multi-modal input systems

Fluency in the trade-offs between input speed, precision, and physical/cognitive fatigue across keyboard, trackpad, mouse, and spatial (hand/eye/head) trackingmodalities

Track record of defining and driving end-to-end system requirements across sensors, firmware, the OS input stack, and application layer

Comfortable owning ambiguous, cross-functional problems that span hardware, firmware, ML/perception, human factors, and macOS software integration

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn a fuzzy product ambition into a testable spec with clear acceptance criteria

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 $216,200 and $394,000, 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.

Client-provided location(s): San Jose, CA

Job ID: apple-200675575-3749

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-08-14T21:14:40