Biomedical Sensor Architect

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock programs

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

Apple Inc. Cupertino, California, is seeking a highly motivated optical engineer to lead the optical health sensor design for next-generation Apple Watch and AirPods.

You will simulate, prototype, and analyze sensor performance, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to translate data into design improvements. The role requires strong data-analysis skills, experience with optical system design, and the ability to communicate findings to leadership.

Qualifications

• BS and at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience driving sensor development from bench-top to high-volume production.
• Experience leading cross-functional optical sensor development with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and documentation.
• Proven ability to design optical sensors for health sensing applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of optical assemblies and platforms integrating LEDs/VCSELs with mechanical systems.
• Lead cross-functional optical sensor initiatives across mechanical, electrical, and software teams.
• Deliver detailed assessments and design evaluations to leadership and partners.

Skills

Optical design

Ray-tracing software

Cross-functional leadership

MATLAB

Python

C

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

PhD in Biomedical or Optical Engineering

Tools

Commercial ray-tracing packages

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

The Health Sensing Hardware team is looking for a highly-motivated optical engineer to work on the next-generation of optical health sensors. The successful candidate will be able to leverage training in optical system design, modeling and fabrication to develop the optical health sensors in the Apple Watch and AirPods. This candidate should also be adept at analyzing user data to infer real-world performance trends and emergent behavior. Lastly, the candidate must be able to distill simulation and empirical results into concise design assessments to cross‑functional collaborators and senior management.

Description

You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for the optical design of the sensor via simulations and prototype-based assessments, user studies and analysis of sensor performance. The role also requires strong data analysis skills to infer trends and dependencies in the data to improve the understanding of skin‑sensor interactions and directly impact the design and performance of the health sensors. This is a highly cross‑functional role and will require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical and software engineers. Lastly, you will be responsible for delivering detailed assessments and design evaluations to leadership and cross‑functional partners.

Responsibilities

• The ideal candidate will be a hardware engineer with demonstrated expertise in the comprehensive design and development of optical assemblies and platforms that seamlessly integrate electro‑optical components such as LEDs and VCSELs with mechanical systems. This role requires deep proficiency in industry‑standard ray‑tracing and optical design software tools, with the ability to leverage these platforms for sophisticated optical system modeling and optimization. The position demands proven experience in driving sensor technology through the complete product lifecycle, from early‑stage bench‑top prototyping and proof‑of‑concept work through design validation, manufacturing readiness, and ultimately high‑volume mass production.
• Success in this role requires strong cross‑functional leadership capabilities, particularly the ability to drive optical sensor development initiatives while effectively collaborating with and coordinating efforts across mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and other technical disciplines. The candidate must have hands‑on experience with optical system design for scalable manufacturing, encompassing the full scope of requirements definition, detailed specification development, design for manufacturability considerations, and strategic management of external vendor partnerships throughout the development and production phases to ensure delivery of high‑quality optical systems at scale.
• Furthermore, the following skills would be a plus for a successful candidate in this role:
• Proficiency in programming languages, MATLAB, Python, C, etc.
• Knowledge of light transport (coherent and/or diffuse) in biological tissue.
• Flexible, collaborative and willing to work in cross‑functional fast‑paced technology development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of optical system design for wearable sensing applications including lens design, integration of electro‑optical components, etc.
• Demonstrated experience with driving sensor development from bench‑top to high‑volume production.
• Experience with leading cross‑functional technology development of optical sensors working with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent documentation skills.
• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong optical simulation skills using commercial ray‑tracing packages.
• Previous experience managing a team of engineers.
• Proven experience in designing optical sensors for health sensing applications.
• PhD in Biomedical or Optical Engineering.
• 5+ years of industry experience in related field.

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.