Role & seniority: Quality Engineer (mid–senior level) focused on hardware validation and embedded firmware for input devices.

Stack/tools: Firmware validation, embedded development; programming/scripting in Python, Bash, Swift (and C/Obj-C/C++); test automation; hardware debugging tools (Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers); robotics automation fixtures; collaboration across Firmware, Software, Algorithms, Design, and Human Factors.

Top 3 responsibilities

Validate MacBook trackpad/keyboard hardware and firmware across prototypes to mass production; ensure user interactions map correctly from physical input to software events.
Architect and execute test cases, push firmware/logic to limits, perform regression and system-level debugging; identify “feel” gaps beyond written behavior.
Partner with cross-functional teams to influence design decisions using data from tests to refine user experience and device behavior.

Must-have skills

Bachelor’s in CS, CE, EE, or equivalent; 3+ years in firmware validation, embedded development, or related field.
Experience with bug hunting, regression testing, and system-level debugging.

Nice-to-haves

5+ years in firmware validation/development with shipping-quality products.
Understanding/test of underlying logic mapping physical inputs to software events; experience with robotic automation fixtures and test frameworks.
Proficiency in Python, Bash, Swift; C/Obj-C/C++; hardware debugging tools; experience w

Full Description

Apple is known for having the highest quality products in the world. We are a fast-paced, dynamic team that never compromises when it comes to delivering a world-class experience to millions of customers around the world. We are seeking a creative and hands-on Quality Engineer to drive the validation of Apple’s next-generation MacBook trackpads and keyboards. In this role, you will do more than just test hardware—you will validate the intelligence that brings our devices to life. You will focus on the invisible logic that translates a simple physical touch into a seamless digital interaction, ensuring the device understands the user's intent perfectly every time. You will join a collaborative team of developers and industry experts, working on everything from early prototypes to mass production.

DESCRIPTION

As a Quality Engineer, you will immerse yourself in the physical and digital intersection of our products. You will spend your time working directly with hardware—at your desk and in the lab—architecting new test cases that push our firmware and logic to their limits. Your primary challenge will be to wear the "customer hat" while applying deep technical knowledge. You must be able to see around corners, identifying scenarios where the code functions as written, but the "feel" or outcome isn't quite right. You will act as a strategic partner to Firmware, Software, and Algorithms Developers, as well as Product Design and Human Factors teams, using the data you generate to influence design decisions and refine the complex behaviors that define the user experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience. 3+ years of experience in firmware validation, embedded development, or a related technical field. Demonstrated experience with bug hunting, regression testing, and system-level debugging.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of experience in firmware validation or development with a track record of shipping quality consumer products. Ability to understand and test the underlying logic that maps physical inputs to software events (algorithm validation). Strong "quality mindset" with the ability to empathize with the end-user to find bugs that traditional automated tests might miss. Experience designing or programming robotic automation fixtures and integrating them into test frameworks. Proficiency with Python, Bash, Swift, or other scripting languages for test automation. Experience with embedded software architecture (C, Objective-C, C++) and hardware debugging tools (Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers).