Module Process Engineer - AR/VR

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Medical and dental coverage

Employee discounts

Job summary

Apple Cupertino, California, United States is seeking a senior engineering leader to guide AR/VR optical module process development from concept through engineering validation builds. You will own architecture, DFm roadmaps, and cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure high yield and scalable production.

The role calls for a strong background in optics, materials, and precision assembly, along with a track record of delivering complex

Qualifications

• This senior engineering role requires process development and integration for AR/VR optics/display modules.
• Experience leading Design for Manufacturability (DFM) from concept to validation builds.
• Ability to perform root-cause failure analyses across multi-variable manufacturing data.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, process development, and integration of AR/VR optical modules from concept to validation builds.
• Translate design requirements into detailed process schedules and ensure timely delivery.
• Drive DFM roadmaps with Optical Design and Integration teams to maximize yield and production scalability.
• Perform design and process FMEA and address high-risk items.
• Conduct deep-dive analyses to resolve systemic process and yield detractors.
• Establish repeatable engineering frameworks to stabilize critical processes.
• Engage with external manufacturers and vendors to align requirements and schedules.
• Anticipate trends to formulate forward-looking process roadmaps.
• Mentor across cross-functional teams and vendors; travel may be required.

Skills

DFM leadership

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Engineering or equivalent

Advanced degree

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

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 $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

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.