Optical Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 181,900 - 245,100; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations to design and develop industry-leading optical instruments for metrology systems across multiple product lines.

As part of the hardware team, you will derive instrument requirements, model performance, and lead validation through bench tests, vendor collaboration, and cross-functional reviews. Domestic and international travel of up to 20% is expected as projects advance.

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical model building and problem solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in optical modeling tools for imaging optics (e.g. Zemax, LightTools) and/or physical optics (FDTD, RCWA).

Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical architecture of metrology system and key instruments.
• Design novel methods for optical instruments calibration.
• Derive instruments’ requirements from metrology needs and design metrics.
• Conduct failure analysis and corrective action for optical instruments and metrology systems.
• Lead optical instrument vendors for customization and verification protocols.
• Present findings clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Travel up to 20% for project needs.

Skills

Optics

Physics

Electrical Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Zemax

LightTools

FDTD/RCWA

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Apple’s display technology team features a collaborative environment with creative and elite products & pioneering technologies. Our team provides opportunities for individuals to give across a spectrum of areas. Outstanding engineering excellence and thoroughness are expected and encouraged. Innovation, IP and patent creation are highly supported and valued. Opening the boundaries to design and ship innovative products with outstanding technologies and user experiences are the goals of our team. Join us in crafting solutions the world doesn't know of yet. To be successful, you thrive in a dynamic, agile, multi-disciplinary, and hands‑on environment that values engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation.

Description

As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical instruments are for calibrating and testing optical display modules, across multiple product lines (e.g. vision, phone, watch, mac, pad …), in NPI (new product introduction) stage.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify optical architecture of metrology system and key instruments, e.g. imaging and non‑imaging optics, image sensing module, photodetectors, light sources, …
• Design novel methods for optical instruments calibration.
• Derive instruments’ requirements from metrology needs, and design metrics to quantify optical instruments’ performance.
• Conduct effective FA (failure analysis) & CA (corrective action) for optical instruments and metrology systems, through analytics, numerical modeling, and bench‑top testing.
• Lead optical instrument vendors for customization. Develop performance verification protocol to ensure the instrument performance complies with defined requirements.
• Provide crisp and rigorous presentation and report, on subjects listed above. And communicate with a broad range of cross‑functional teams.
• Require domestic and international travel for work (up to 20%)

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough understanding and experiences in optical instruments (imaging and non‑imaging) design, modeling and performance quantification.
• Strong analytical model building and problem‑solving capability
• Proficiency in one or more optical modeling tools for imaging optics (e.g. Zemax, LightTools, etc.), and/or physical optics (e.g. FDTD, RCWA, etc.)
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently across a range of technical subject areas with a broad slate of partners, including management, peers, and suppliers.
• Deep experience in any of the following fields is a plus: AR/VR display, camera lens, camera, OCT, LIDAR, microscopy, spectroscopy, optical wavefront metrology, semiconductor laser, optical grating, prescription glasses, tunable light source, or integrating sphere.

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.