Audio Architecture Engineering Program Manager

Summary Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. What starts as a one-page proposal or an early prototype gets challenged, refined, and proven out by teams across hardware, software, and silicon. Engineering Program Managers make that happen. They bring teams together, drive decisions, and keep ideas moving from concept to reality.

Description We are looking for an experienced, technically driven Audio Architecture Engineering Program Manager within Hardware Program Management to lead cross-functional coordination and alignment for future Audio IP, and to track Pre-Silicon and Post-Silicon validation across SoCs and products.

In this role, you will be the operational partner to Platform Architects and lead cross-functional collaboration across Platform Architecture (PA), Audio Software (Audio SW), System Architecture, Acoustics, and Silicon Engineering. You will drive recurring architecture forums, streamline feature intake, track specification milestones from requirements to freeze, and follow critical Audio IP updates through pre-silicon validation and post-silicon bring-up. The role provides broad exposure across multiple product lines and long-range roadmaps, with direct visibility to engineering leadership.

Responsibilities

Cross-Functional Coordination & Alignment: Lead operational alignment across PA, Audio SW, System Architecture, Acoustics, and Silicon Design, ensuring cohesive planning across hardware and software boundaries. Run Architecture Forums & Intake Governance: Organize and drive recurring audio architecture forums. Manage pre-reads, facilitate discussions, track action items, and shepherd incoming feature proposals (1-pagers, feasibility studies) through cross-functional review to actionable outcomes. Specification Schedule & Milestone Tracking: Partner closely with Platform Architects to drive the Audio Architecture Specification schedule, tracking deliverables from initial requirements baseline through formal architecture freeze. Pre-Silicon & Post-Silicon Validation Tracking: Track Pre-Silicon milestones (algorithmic models, virtual platforms, FPGA, and emulation) and Post-Silicon bring-up/validation progress for critical Audio IP updates across SoCs, monitoring feature health, test execution, and blocker resolution. Multi-Year Roadmap Alignment: Coordinate alignment between long-range acoustic and software technology vectors and SoC planning timelines across wearable, mobile, and desktop platforms. Issue Resolution & Dependency Management: Track cross-functional dependencies, open investigations, and need-by dates across PA, Audio SW, System Architecture, and Acoustics teams, ensuring risks are escalated and mitigated proactively. Executive Synthesis & Reporting: Synthesize program status, validation progress, schedule risks, and cross-functional decisions into crisp, data-driven updates for engineering leadership.

Minimum Qualifications BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field, and 10+ years of relevant industry experience. 3+ years of Engineering Program Management, Technical Program Management, or engineering leadership experience. Experience coordinating programs that span multiple engineering teams across hardware, silicon, or software disciplines. Experience tracking technical deliverables, specification milestones, or validation schedules across SoC or IP development lifecycles.

Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with audio subsystems, DSPs, digital serial interfaces (SoundWire, I2S, PDM), or power-constrained wearable/hearable architectures. Experience tracking Pre-Silicon verification (emulation, FPGA, modeling) and Post-Silicon bring-up for complex IPs or SoCs. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build strong relationships, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior architects and engineering leads. Ability to filter and distill complex technical issues and dependencies into clear executive summaries.

Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $166,600 and $296,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

EEO Statement Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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Application Deadline Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,500 and $311,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.