14 DAY TRIAL // Numerous reports point out to a job posting recently added to Apple’s Job Opportunities web site where there is demand for an “Antenna Engineer” who will define and implement antenna system architecture to optimize the radiation performance for Apple’s wireless portable gadgets, including the iPhone and iPad.
The Job title “Antenna Engineer - iPad/iPhone” has been spotted by tech-site Engadget, which suggests this is quite the coincidence, given the bad PR Apple has been getting for the reception issues of its iPhone 4. While Apple is yet to confirm whether this is a design flaw on the hardware side, or whether the problem can be addressed more easily by firmware update, the following description can be found at Apple’s Job Opportunities site, for the respective antenna engineer position.
"Responsibilities: Define and implement antenna system architecture to optimize the radiation performance for wireless portable devices. The candidate should be able to design antennas suitable for wireless handheld devices with excellent radiation performance, including TRP, TIS, SAR, and EMC. Work closely with other RF and antenna design engineers, mechanical and industrial designers, and EMC engineers to integrate the antenna design in our products. The candidate will be expected to performance radiation performance measurements, create test plans, execute them, publish test reports, provide feedback to the other design engineers, and lead some of the manufacturing of antenna."
The Cupertino-based electronics maker seems dead serious about hiring someone knowledgeable in the field, requiring over 10 years of experience in RF on the applicant’s end, with at least 5 years of practice with antenna design and test for wireless consumer products. The rest of the requirements (Skills and Experience) are listed as follows:
"* MSEE required, PhD is preferred. * Must have working experience of antenna design and tests, anechoic chambers, and RF test equipment. Hands-on is a must. * Must have strong problem solving skills and strong working knowledge of radiation performance. Antenna and wave propagation theoretical background is essential. * Experience with different wireless communication systems such as GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 802.11, Bluetooth, etc., including the corresponding system level specifications (e.g. ETSI 51.010, 51.05…) is essential. * Experience with regulatory requirements and process for wireless consumer devices, including FCC, PTCRB, CTIA, ETSI, TIA/EIA, etc. * Excellent communication skills required, both written & verbal. * Detail oriented - taking data, using Excel, and making meaningful tables/graphs/averages.
Preferred Experience: * Experience with simulation tools such as XFDTD, HFSS is a plus."
Those who feel they have what it takes to jump in and explain to Apple how radio waves must be handled are welcome to do so here. Interested parties are required to have an Apple ID, MobileMe subscription, or iTunes Store account to log in and apply for the job