AR/VR Optical Module Process Architect

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical & dental coverage

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, invites a senior engineering leader to drive end-to-end development of AR/VR optical modules, from concept to volume manufacturing. You will guide cross-functional teams, optimize processes, and push for high-yield, scalable solutions.

Requires a strong track record in DFM, root-cause analysis, and leadership of complex packaging and integration challenges in high-precision optics. Occasional travel to partner sites and manufacturers is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent job-related experience with minimum of 10 years of experience or Advanced degree.
• Experience in process development and integration for advanced optics/display modules, consumer electronics, or high-precision optical hardware.
• Experience leading Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives from early architecture and concept phases through engineering validation builds.
• Demonstrated experience conducting root-cause failure analysis and defining corrective-action strategies for multi-variable manufacturing and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, process development, and integration of advanced AR/VR optical modules and precision assembly sequences from initial concept through engineering validation builds.
• Translate design requirement and features into detailed module EQ and process develop schedules, deliver process in predictable, timely manner.
• Drive comprehensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) roadmaps in partnership with Optical Design and Integration teams, influencing early architecture to maximize yield, quality, and production scalability.
• Perform design and process FMEA and focus on high-risk items to plan the development work.
• Direct deep-dive root-cause analyses on high-volume, complex, and sometimes conflicting technical data to resolve systemic process and yield detractors.
• Serve as the technical lead, establishing structured, repeatable engineering frameworks to stabilize critical processes.
• Champion fine-detail technical optimizations across materials, tolerances, and assembly steps, ensuring subtle engineering nuances deliver an exceptional final product performance.
• Lead technical engagements with external manufacturing partners and component vendors, aligning requirements, resolving competing priorities, and driving execution against aggressive timelines.
• Anticipate optics manufacturing and technology trends to formulate forward-looking process roadmaps and adapt implementation strategies as technological landscapes evolve.
• Foster a collaborative environment through cross-functional mentorship and knowledge sharing on advanced process integration methodologies.
• Domestic and international travel to vendor and manufacturing sites may be required.

Skills

Process development

DFM leadership

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 10+ years

Advanced degree (Master/PhD)

Job description

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, invites a senior engineering leader to drive end-to-end development of AR/VR optical modules, from concept to volume manufacturing. You will guide cross-functional teams, optimize processes, and push for high-yield, scalable solutions.

Requires a strong track record in DFM, root-cause analysis, and leadership of complex packaging and integration challenges in high-precision optics. Occasional travel to partner sites and manufacturers is expected.