Job Overview:
As a Silicon Validation Software Engineer at Apple, you will develop embedded software solutions, debug, and bring up state-of-the-art next-generation SOCs, ensuring high-quality functional products reach millions of customers quickly. Your responsibilities include developing boot and driver code for Apple SOC, enhancing the Common Firmware Environment (CFE) and platform software, and contributing to SDRAM initialization and calibration. You will also design system software for power-saving features, implement firmware drivers for PMIC and battery charging, and participate in chip bring-up on simulators, emulation, FPGA, and silicon. Additionally, you will develop applications covering system-level use cases and functional features while reviewing SOC architecture, design specifications, and board schematics. The role requires a minimum of a BS degree and 10 years of relevant industry experience in silicon validation software engineering or a related field, with preferred qualifications including proficiency in C/C++ and assembly, embedded software development, and a solid understanding of ARM specification and computer architecture.
>> View full job details on Apple’s official website.
Resume and Interview Tips:
To tailor your resume for the Silicon Validation Software Engineer role at Apple, emphasize your expertise in embedded software development and silicon validation. Highlight your proficiency in C/C++ and assembly, as well as your experience with bare metal, RTOS, and Linux environments. Detail your projects involving boot code, CPU and SOC initialization, and device drivers, showcasing your ability to troubleshoot and debug embedded software. If you have experience with lpDDR4/5, DRAM initialization, or calibration, make sure to include these as they are highly preferred. Additionally, mention any work with IO protocols like I2C, SPI, SPMI, UART, or GPIO, and any scripting experience in Python, Perl, or Tcl. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as improvements in system performance or efficiency, to demonstrate your impact. Your resume should reflect your deep understanding of ARM architecture and computer systems, as well as your ability to work in fast-paced environments with cross-functional teams.
During the interview for the Silicon Validation Software Engineer position, expect to be tested on your technical expertise in embedded software development and silicon validation. Be prepared to discuss your experience with C/C++ and assembly, as well as your understanding of ARM architecture and operating systems. You may be asked to solve problems related to boot code, SOC initialization, or device drivers, so review these topics thoroughly. Practice explaining your troubleshooting process for silicon bring-up and embedded software debugging, as this will likely be a key focus. Additionally, brush up on your knowledge of IO protocols and scripting languages, as these are relevant to the role. The interviewer will also assess your ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve contributed to team projects and handled tight deadlines. Dress professionally and be prepared to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach and the outcomes of your work.