Senior Engineer, Satellite Resource Optimization

As a Senior Engineer in Apple's Satellite Communications Group, you will develop and optimize the satellite network enabling critical connectivity for iPhone and Watch Ultra users in remote areas. This role involves architecting and implementing scalable solutions for global satellite resource optimization, designing algorithms that balance efficiency and reliability, and building resilient infrastructure for services like Emergency SOS and Messages via satellite. You will solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of satellite communications, distributed systems, and resource optimization, directly impacting millions of users in critical situations.

Must Have

• Deep expertise in distributed systems architecture and implementation, particularly in satellite networks or similar large-scale communication systems.
• Strong background in algorithm design, optimization, and implementation for resource allocation and network efficiency.
• Proven experience building and operating highly resilient, mission-critical systems at scale.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, and/or C++ for systems development.
• Strong understanding of network protocols and wireless communication principles.
• Experience with telemetry, monitoring, and observability systems for distributed infrastructure.
• Ability to balance technical complexity with practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams.
• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in distributed systems, wireless communications, or satellite networks.

Good to Have

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with satellite networks or satellite communications systems.
• Proficiency in multiple languages from: Python, Go, and C++.
• Experience with wireless communication principles and RF systems.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for global communications systems.
• Experience with resource scheduling and optimization in constrained network environment.
• Experience building telemetry, monitoring, and observability systems for distributed infrastructure.

At Apple, we strive every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Our successes are the result of skilled domain experts working in an environment which encourages creativity, collaboration, and re-thinking of old problems in new ways! As a member of the Satellite Connectivity Group, you will work on the satellite network that enables connectivity to iPhone and Watch Ultra when off the grid without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. Every day, customers use Emergency SOS, Roadside assistance, and Messages via satellite to stay connected when they have no other means to communicate. You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to shape this and other critical services, to the benefit and safety of millions of device users.

We are seeking a Senior Engineer with wireless and software engineering experience to join our Satellite Communications Group radio algorithm optimization team. Our team develops the network layers, monitoring systems, and large-scale resilient infrastructure that enable customers to access critical communications services via satellite—even in the most remote locations. In this role, you will architect and implement scalable solutions that optimize global satellite resource usage. You'll design algorithms and systems that balance efficiency, reliability, and customer experience in a distributed architecture supporting unique, customer-facing services. This is a highly visible role where your work directly impacts users in critical situations, offering the opportunity to solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of satellite communications, distributed systems, and resource optimization.

• Design and implement algorithms for efficient satellite resource allocation and network optimization across global infrastructure
• Develop and optimize network protocols and layers for satellite communication systems
• Build monitoring, telemetry, and automation systems to track performance and resource utilization at scale
• Analyze system performance data to identify bottlenecks and implement algorithmic improvements
• Architect maintaining system efficiency
• Collaborate with RF engineers, operations teams, and product managers to define requirements and deliver end-to-end solutions
• Participate in technical design reviews, contribute to architectural decisions, and mentor team members
• Support production systems through on-call rotation and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Key Qualifications

• Deep expertise in distributed systems architecture and implementation, particularly in satellite networks or similar large-scale communication systems
• Strong background in algorithm design, optimization, and implementation for resource allocation and network efficiency
• Proven experience building and operating highly resilient, mission-critical systems at scale
• Proficiency in Python, Go, and/or C++ for systems development
• Strong understanding of network protocols and wireless communication principles
• Experience with telemetry, monitoring, and observability systems for distributed infrastructure
• Ability to balance technical complexity with practical, scalable solutions
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams
• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience with 5+ years of relevant industry experience in distributed systems, wireless communications, or satellite networks

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience with satellite networks or satellite communications systems
• Proficiency in multiple languages from: Python, Go, and C++
• Experience with wireless communication principles and RF systems
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements for global communications systems
• Experience with resource scheduling and optimization in constrained network environment
• Experience building telemetry, monitoring, and observability systems for distributed infrastructure

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

We accept applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.