Ever since Apple acquired Melbourne, Florida based security firm AuthenTec, there have been a number of rumors that claim the next iPhone would sport a fingerprint sensor. A new job posting on Apple’s website for a Software Engineer at the company’s “Melbourne Design Center” further intensifies these rumors.

The job posting seeks a software engineer capable of writing “low-level code to configure and control hardware,” who would be working with Silicon and Module Design engineers on software tools for Sensor ICs:

The individual must be capable of writing low-level code to configure and control hardware. Experience with Firmware-Hardware interaction is required along with experience in C/C++ programming. Exposure to assembly language programming is desired but not a hard requirement. The individual must be capable of interacting with Silicon and module design engineers to understand and define requirements for the lab tool and FA software. A strong desire, willingness and aptitude to develop ASIC design verification skills as well as assembly level code for sensor control and sensor test is a must for this position.

While the posting doesn’t give out any details as to what kind of sensors would the engineer be working on, there’s a high chance these are related to AuthenTec’s area of expertise — fingerprint sensors.

Previous reports have noted that Apple “urgently” wanted AuthenTec’s fingerprint sensors for future iOS devices, and several rumors, including ones from analysts with a good track record, state that the company’s working on integrating a fingerprint sensor into the next iPhone.

Via: Apple Insider