Module Process Engineer - AR/VR

Apple Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Stock programs

Relocation

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks a senior engineer to drive the end-to-end development of AR/VR optical modules.

You will lead architecture, process development, and integration from concept through validation builds, coordinating with design, manufacturing, and external partners to ensure high yield and scalable production. Responsibilities include driving DFM roadmaps, conducting FMEA, and performing root-cause analyses on complex data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Electrical Engineering or equivalent with 10+ years experience.
• Experience leading DFM initiatives from architecture to validation builds.
• Proven root-cause failure analysis and corrective actions in multi-variable processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, process development, and integration of AR/VR optical modules from concept to validation builds.
• Translate requirements into detailed process development schedules and deliverables.
• Drive DFM roadmaps with Optical Design and Integration teams to maximize yield and scale.
• Perform design and process FMEA focusing on high-risk items.
• Conduct deep-dive root-cause analyses to resolve systemic yield detractors.
• Serve as technical lead establishing repeatable engineering frameworks.
• Optimize materials, tolerances, and assembly steps for top module performance.
• Lead engagements with external manufacturing partners and vendors to meet timelines.
• Anticipate trends and formulate forward-looking process roadmaps.
• Mentor through cross-functional knowledge sharing on advanced integration methods.
• Domestic and international travel to vendor and manufacturing sites may be required.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

Design for Manufacturability

Cross-functional leadership

AR/VR optics knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Engineering

Advanced degree

Tools

FMEA

Job description

At Apple, new ideas have a way of quickly becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences. The Display Module Technology (DMT) team within the Display Technologies Organization develops innovative manufacturing process technologies to address complex design challenges that directly impact the future, quality, and delivery of Apple optics technology. Operating at a fast pace within a collaborative and diverse environment, the team invents and scales robust solutions to bring revolutionary hardware concepts into reality.

Description

This senior engineering role serves as a key technical focal point in the process development and integration of advanced AR/VR optical modules, guiding projects from early concept and architecture stages through product engineering validation builds. The position drives the display or optical module process end to end, from proof-of-concept to volume manufacturing, managing complex technical challenges across disciplines, and aligning cross-functional teams with external manufacturing partners down to the finest detail.

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.

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering discipline, Materials Science, Optics, or related field.
• In-depth technical experience developing assembly, integration, and packaging processes specifically for AR/VR display systems, micro-displays, or high-precision optical sub-assemblies.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize high-volume, ambiguous, or contradictory technical data to solve persistent engineering challenges and create structured problem-solving frameworks.
• Track record of consistently achieving aggressive milestones and delivering breakthrough technical results under challenging circumstances or shifting project conditions.
• Passion for precision and deep-dive engineering, with demonstrated success rethinking or refining subtle component details that significantly improve overall module performance.
• Proven capability to balance high-stakes stakeholder expectations, navigate competing technical priorities, and build alignment across diverse cross-functional teams and external vendors .

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• retirement benefits
• a range of discounted products and free services
• reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
• discretionary bonuses or commission payments
• relocation

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.