AR/VR Design Validation Engineer

Apple; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks an optical engineer to translate next-generation display technologies into validated hardware performance. You will own end-to-end optical models, validate simulations against real-world builds, and define experiments to improve iteration accuracy.

This role blends simulation development with hands-on design and failure analysis. The ideal candidate has a strong background in optical engineering, experience correlating simulations with measurements, and proficiency with tools like

Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Proven track record correlating optical simulations with measured hardware.
• Experience with optical simulation tools (LightTools, Zemax, FDTD, Code V, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design validation for next-generation optical display components.
• Own development and validation of optical simulation capabilities and feedback loop using real build data.
• Define characterization pipelines, build plans, and data architecture for design-to-performance validation.

Skills

Optical engineering

Simulation validation

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Experiment design

Education

BS in Optical Engineering

Additional MS/PhD preferred

Tools

LightTools

Zemax

FDTD

Code V

Job description

Summary

Apple is seeking an optical engineer with a passion for translating next-generation display technologies to reality. You will bridge design, testing, and manufacturing by validating that our optical simulation models accurately predict real-world performance.

Description

You will own the end-to-end optical models that validate measured module performance, continuously improving design iteration accuracy and enabling predictive performance capability. This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating technical findings into actionable design guidance. You are expected to establish new validation methodologies and shape technical direction across the organization, requiring deep optical expertise paired with strong cross-functional leadership skills. The ideal candidate operates independently, maintains rigorous attention to detail, and drives results through excellent communication and presentation abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design validation for next-generation optical display components
• Own the development and validation of optical simulation capabilities and closing the simulation-measurement feedback loop using real build data
• Define characterization pipelines, build plans, and data architecture to establish a rigorous design-to-performance validation, ensuring results are systematically captured and translated cross-functionally into actionable insights
• Define critical performance metrics and develop specifications to guarantee component performance in high-volume manufacturing builds
• Drive failure mode analysis and root-cause diagnosis across optical components to support build critical issues, ultimately translating the learnings into improved predictive simulation capability
• Analyze results, produce comprehensive reports, and communicate findings to diverse cross-functional teams spanning product design, manufacturing, and integration

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
• Established track record of correlating optical simulations with measured hardware performance in industry or R&D settings
• Proficiency with one or more optical simulation tools (LightTools, FDTD, RCWA, Zemax, Code V, etc)
• Hands-on experience in at least one area: optical design/metrology, display technologies, optical sensors, thin-film processes, or nanofabrication

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development
• Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume manufacturing, or module integration experience
• Self-driven with excellent project management, meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge of optical measurement systems including light sources, microscopes, spectrometers, detectors, and free-space optics
• Statistical data analysis capabilities using tools such as JMP, Matlab, Python, etc.