Digital Circuit Design Engineer

Job Title

Digital Circuit Design Engineer

Role Summary

Responsible for pre-silicon verification of custom IPs for Apple SoCs, ensuring RTL and design deliverables are functionally correct and meet architectural specifications. Works within a hardware verification team collaborating with circuit and RTL designers to plan and execute verification strategies.

Experience Level

Mid-level. The posting does not specify a strict years-of-experience range but expects demonstrated experience in RTL verification and digital circuit validation.

Responsibilities

Verify that custom digital IP meets design specifications and deliver bug-free RTL before silicon. Typical activities include:

• Design and implement SystemVerilog/UVM testbenches (stimulus, checkers, assertions, functional coverage).
• Translate design and architectural specifications into verification plans and corner-case scenarios.
• Run and debug simulation regressions; triage failures and track defects to root cause.
• Perform coverage analysis, including toggle coverage, and drive closure efforts.
• Use waveform and simulation-debug tools (e.g., Verdi, Cadence Indago) to analyze failures and environments.
• Automate verification flows and test generation using Python, Perl, or C++ scripts.
• Verify memory and custom circuits such as SRAMs, register files, and caches.
• Refactor and modularize testbench code to improve reuse and maintainability.
• Collaborate using version control (Perforce), documentation systems (Confluence), and task management tools.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and verification experience:

• Proficient with SystemVerilog or Verilog for RTL verification and testbench development.
• Experience with Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) or equivalent methodology.
• Hands-on RTL verification and debug using industry-standard waveform and simulation tools.
• Experience verifying digital memories and custom IP (read/write behavior, timing, corner cases).
• Experience with formal verification tools such as Logical Equivalence Checking (LEC) or ESPCV.
• Ability to develop automation for regressions and test generation using Python, Perl, or C++.
• Familiarity with regression management and revision control systems.
• Solid understanding of digital circuit fundamentals: synchronous logic, FSMs, timing analysis, clock/reset behavior.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. The posting indicates "Experience and/or education must include...", which implies relevant professional experience may be acceptable in lieu of the degree.

About the Company

Company: Apple

Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States

Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, software, and online services. Known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, Mac computers, and iPad, Apple emphasizes a strong commitment to high-quality design and user experience.