Optical System Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Employee stock purchase plan

Relocation assistance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, is seeking a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and integration for camera modules in Apple devices. You will advance lens designs, perform rigorous metrology, and drive image quality characterization across disciplines.

The role emphasizes collaboration with suppliers, rapid problem solving, and hands-on optimization to meet Apple’s strict quality and schedule targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera modules.
• Complete analysis of the optical element's influence on the image quality characteristics of the camera module.
• Work with suppliers on prototype design and manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot issues with suppliers by defining proper metrology, requesting and analyzing the necessary data, and making a decision on the solution.
• Communicate your design decision to the cross-functional team.
• Drive your own schedule without a large overhead.

Skills

Lens design

Metrology

Optical characterization

Image quality analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Science/Engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

ZEMAX

CODE V

FRED

LightTools

Job description

Description

The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.

Responsibilities

• Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera modules.
• Complete analysis of the optical element's influence on the image quality characteristics of the camera module.
• Work with suppliers on prototype design and manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot issues with suppliers by defining proper metrology, requesting and analyzing the necessary data, and making a decision on the solution.
• Communicate your design decision to the cross-functional team.
• Drive your own schedule without a large overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration.
• Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
• Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
• Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
• Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
• Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. 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.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

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.