14 DAY TRIAL // Previous job listings at Apple only mentioned LTE technology-familiarity as a required skill, but now a new job posting lists the integration of LTE in iOS devices as a “specific duty,” 9to5mac has found.
Apple listing the integration of LTE in iOS devices as a specific duty is a clear sign that the company is building devices with an LTE 4G data connection, with potential plans to sell them in the near future.
The source notes that Apple’s newly-unveiled CDMA iPhone 4 does not support LTE, much to everyone’s surprise.
However, an updated version of the iPhone, perhaps the iPhone 5, is likely to support the standard.
According to Apple’s job posting, “The iOS (iPhoneOS) wireless technology team is looking for a highly motivated Cellular Protocols Software Engineer to help develop our next generation of iOS products.”
Apple needs critical expertise in cellular layer 1-3 protocols, experience with UE and/or NW protocols development for various 3GPP/3GPP2 technologies is essential, according to the list of requirements.
The applicant should demonstrate solid understanding of relevant protocol procedures and network interactions, as he / she “will work in a small team and constantly engage with radio stack vendors, carriers, infrastructure vendors and other engineering disciplines within Apple HW/SW organizations to deliver high performance best in class modem for iOS products.”
The ideal candidate will have exceptional debugging skills and excellent communication skills in a culturally diverse world-class engineering environment, Apple says.
The rest of the job description continues with the specific duties - which mentions LTE - and specific skills and experience, as follows:
Specific Duties
- Implementation, Integration, customization, enhancement and maintenance of L1-3 Protocols for one or more of the following air interface: GSM/UMTS, CDMA (1x/EVDO), LTE etc. - Carrier specific features implementation - Troubleshoot cellular stack and network issues, including IOT, type approval and field issues - Drive KPI (Key Performance Index) enhancements by working with cross-functional teams to achieve best-in-class voice/data performance - Investigate future cellular technologies - Develop next generation cellular modem
Specific Skills and Experience
- MS/Ph.D. in EE/CS - Expert knowledge of one or multiple cellular technologies: GSM/UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, CDMA/1x, EVDO, LTE etc. - Minimum 3 years development experience with AS/NAS protocol stacks and middle layer development - Strong C programming skills - Experience with RTOS embedded development - Excellent debugging and troubleshooting skills - Highly motivated and self-directed, fast learner - A good team player with strong verbal and written communication skills, fluent English communication is must-have.