Apple

Firmware/Software System Engineering Program Manager

Apple • $145K — $175K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of relevant engineering program management experience.
  • MS preferred; equivalent hands-on experience in firmware/embedded systems accepted.
  • Solid technical foundation in embedded firmware and software systems.
  • Demonstrated experience managing HW/FW/SW co-development programs.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end program plan, including schedule and risk management.
  • Lead structured program reviews across product development lifecycle.
  • Drive convergence with data and manage bug tracking processes.
  • Serve as the communication backbone for cross-functional teams.
  • Identify and mitigate risks in collaboration with technical teams.
  • Support factory readiness and conduct field failure analysis post-release.
  • Establish communication infrastructure and defect tracking workflows.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on groundbreaking consumer electronics products.
  • Highly visible leadership role driving program management.
  • Access to advanced technology and innovation at a leading company.
  • Collaboration with talented cross-functional teams across Apple.
  • Potential for professional growth in a dynamic and challenging environment.
Full Job Description
We are looking for an experienced, technically sharp Engineering Program Manager (EPM) who thrives at the intersection of embedded firmware, software systems, and cross-functional product delivery. This is not a coordinator role - it's a leadership role. You will own the end-to-end program plan for next-generation technologies, partnering deeply with firmware engineers, hardware designers, systems architects, and manufacturing teams to bring groundbreaking products to life. In this highly visible role, you will lead programs across the full product development lifecycle - from pre-kickoff planning and architecture alignment through development, convergence, factory bring-up, and post-release field analysis. You'll operate across Apple - it will be you, the EPM, who creates the connective tissue between teams, drives clarity from ambiguity, and keeps the program moving with confidence. If you've shipped consumer electronics products, know what it feels like to drive a firmware team through convergence under tight deadlines, and can translate complex technical tradeoffs into crisp executive communication - we want to talk to you. **Description** Own the program plan end-to-end - including schedule creation, critical path management, milestone tracking, and risk-mitigation planning across firmware, hardware, and system integration workstreams from concept through release. Lead structured program reviews across the product development lifecycle - ensuring cross-functional alignment at every phase gate, from architecture and schedule reviews through validation strategy and release readiness. Drive convergence with data - manage bug tracking, run regular bug review meetings with firmware and software DRIs, maintain burn-down plans, apply historical data for data-driven projections, and own the convergence story from feature complete to release. Be the communication backbone - keep HID core teams, cross-functional partners, and leadership aligned with accurate, timely, and audience-tailored updates; distill complex technical developments into clear summaries for engineers and executives alike. Identify, surface, and mitigate risk - partner with firmware and hardware technologists to proactively surface technical risk areas, propose mitigation strategies, and escalate to leadership when needed - without waiting to be asked. Support factory and field readiness - collaborate with factory teams during hardware build stages, and drive early field failure analysis post-release to ensure no systemic issues reach customers undetected. Build organizational clarity - set up communication infrastructure, establish defect tracking structures and screening workflows, and ensure HID is represented and aligned across cross-functional program gates. **Minimum Qualifications** BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 3+ years of relevant engineering program management experience. **Preferred Qualifications** MS is a plus. Equivalent hands-on industry experience in firmware or embedded systems program management will be considered in lieu of formal degree requirements. 3+ years of engineering program management experience in consumer electronics or embedded systems, with direct ownership of firmware, software, or HW/SW system integration programs from concept through mass production. Solid technical foundation in embedded firmware and software systems - sufficient to engage meaningfully with engineers on architecture tradeoffs, integration dependencies, and debug escalations. Prior hands-on engineering experience in firmware, software, or systems is a strong plus. Demonstrated experience managing HW/FW/SW co-development programs with multiple interdependent teams, including silicon bring-up, firmware feature development, factory qualification, and OS integration. Proven ability to build and maintain program schedules that reflect real engineering complexity - identifying critical paths, tracking milestones, modeling risk, and recovering programs when things slip. Strong convergence management skills: experience running bug triage, tracking bug burn-down, and producing data-driven projections toward release readiness. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills - able to adapt style and content for engineers, cross-functional partners, and senior executives; equally comfortable writing a crisp 1-pager and presenting live to leadership. Proven ability to operate in ambiguity - clarify scope where it doesn't exist, build structure where there is none, raise risk where others stay silent, and make decisions with incomplete information. Familiarity with Agile and iterative development models as applied to firmware and embedded software programs. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed - you track the things others miss, follow up without being asked, and keep a dozen open threads without dropping one. Demonstrates AI fluency applied to EPM work - actively uses AI tools (LLM assistants, agentic workflows, or similar) to accelerate program deliverables such as executive summaries, risk dashboards, and status communications; goes beyond basic usage to integrate AI into daily workflows, while applying sound judgment to review and validate outputs before they reach stakeholders. Self-directed learner in the AI space - stays current on the evolving AI tooling landscape through hands-on experimentation and self-directed discovery; has a point of view on where AI accelerates EPM work and where human judgment remains irreplaceable, and can articulate new responsibilities AI creates around output quality, data integrity, and compliance awareness.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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