Sensing Hardware Validation Engineer

Apple Inc.; Auckland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company in Auckland seeks a candidate to develop and validate capacitive touch sensors for their platforms. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and leading hardware validation efforts. Ideal candidates should have a degree in a relevant field and experience in touch sensing technologies, along with strong skills in hardware validation and automation. Business travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Strong foundational knowledge in physics and electrical engineering.
• Experience in characterization and validation of hardware platforms.

Responsibilities

• Characterize, integrate, and validate capacitive touch sensors.
• Collaborate with design, firmware, and engineering teams.
• Develop test scripts for hardware validation.
• Lead automation efforts for hardware testing.

Skills

Touch sensing technologies

Hardware validation

Cross-functional collaboration

Scripting in Python

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Job description

The Sensing HW team develops groundbreaking sensors that are central to a variety of Apple platforms, including iPhones, iPads, Audio, Macs, the Home ecosystem, and accessories. You will play a key role in developing, characterizing, and validating sensor systems used in these platforms. The ideal candidate will have expertise in touch sensing technologies, hands-on experience with hardware validation processes, and the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams to drive product excellence. Familiarity with product integration and manufacturing technologies used in consumer electronics is also preferred.

Description

You will be responsible for characterizing, integrating, and validating capacitive touch sensors for new product applications from conception through product release. You will collaborate cross-functionally with product design, test, firmware, system engineering, and product operations teams. Define key performance indicators for sensor module and system-level testing. Develop test scripts for hardware validation and factory testing. Lead infrastructure and automation efforts for hardware testing. Design and develop hardware architectures for novel sensor test setups. Perform hands-on bench measurements of hardware for validation and troubleshooting. Conduct failure analysis to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Evaluate new technologies and methods to enhance sensor testing. Document specifications for design, testing, and failure analysis (FA) processes. Business travel (up to 10%) to support product development and testing.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in characterization and validation of hardware platforms and devices.
• Strong foundational knowledge in physics and electrical engineering. Familiarity with manufacturing technologies relevant to sensor fabrication is a plus.
• Background and experience in electrical and/or mechanical design of test fixtures and/or robots.
• Proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for automating test procedures, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with sensor technology and high-volume mass production is a plus.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.