Apple

Software Development Engineer in Test, Car Key, Wireless Technologies & Ecosystems

Apple$130K — $155K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in software engineering with focus on test automation, debugging, or system validation.
  • Strong programming skills in Python.
  • Proficiency in Objective-C and/or Swift.
  • Experience using AI/ML tools and LLMs to boost engineering productivity.
  • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills for isolating complex system issues.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Write, debug, and maintain automation for validating Digital Car Key features.
  • Collaborate with development and quality engineers to identify and isolate root issues.
  • Ensure Car Key functionality meets Apple's quality standards.
  • Leverage LLM-based tools to enhance testing workflows and coverage.
  • Think critically about complex system behavior for effective issue resolution.
  • Continuously seek and implement improved validation methods for embedded software.
  • Work in tight collaboration with teams to deliver reliable features for millions of users.

Benefits

  • Access to advanced AI and modern tooling to innovate workflows
  • Opportunity to work on high-impact features like Digital Car Key
  • Collaborative team environment promoting learning and growth
  • Engagement in forward-thinking approaches to software validation
  • Contribution to technology that millions of users depend on daily
Full Job Description
The WTE Quality team is looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test who combines strong programming and debugging instincts with a forward-thinking approach to AI-assisted engineering. This role is at the center of Apple's Car Key validation efforts -- where critical thinking, tight collaboration, and modern tooling converge to ship features that millions of people rely on every day.

Description

As a Software Development Engineer in Test on the Car Key team, you will write, debug, and maintain the automation that validates Apple's Digital Car Key features across embedded systems and wireless protocols. You will work closely with development and quality engineers to identify issues, isolate root causes, and ensure that Car Key functionality meets Apple's quality bar. This role places a strong emphasis on leveraging LLM-based tools like Claude Code to accelerate development workflows, improve test coverage, and solve problems more efficiently. You will be expected to think critically about complex system behavior, collaborate effectively across teams, and continuously push for better ways to validate software at the embedded level.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

5+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on test automation, debugging, or system validation

Strong programming skills in Python

Proficiency in Objective-C and/or Swift

Demonstrated experience using AI/ML tools and LLMs (e.g., Claude Code, coding assistants) to enhance engineering productivity

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to isolate issues in complex systems

Proven ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional team environments

Preferred Qualifications

Experience testing or validating embedded systems

Experience with automation frameworks for hardware/software integration testing

Deep familiarity with wireless protocols including NFC, BLE, and UWB

Experience with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Digital Key specification

Proficiency with git, CI/CD systems, and development integration lifecycles

Familiarity with prompt engineering and the ability to design effective LLM workflows for engineering tasks

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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