Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer

Apple; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer to scale optical test methodologies from prototype to high-volume manufacturing. The role emphasizes lab-based development, Python automation, and cross-functional collaboration with photonics engineers to ensure repeatable, high-throughput test processes.

The candidate will design test equipment, optimize calibration procedures, and contribute to defining specifications for scalable production environments.

Qualifications

• BSc degree in EE, Physics, or similar.
• Experience with laser, free-space, fiber, or integrated optics and optical measurement techniques.
• Experience with object-oriented programming and data analysis in Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable test/calibration methodologies optimized for speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop Python scripts and modules for characterization, testing, automation, and data analysis.
• Define requirements and specs for specialized test equipment with vendors and internal teams.
• Optimize control and calibration algorithms for fast feedback and automated module operation.
• Drive internal and external partners to create test/calibration processes for future high-volume manufacturing.
• Collaborate with photonics process and design engineers to manage performance variability.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Object-oriented programming

Optics measurement techniques

Education

BSc in EE or Physics

Tools

Git version control

Oscilloscopes

OSAs

Wavemeters

Function generators

Job description

Summary

Apple is looking for a Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer with strong optics lab skills, coding experience, and passion in scaling technology from prototype to high-volume manufacturing environment. You will work to develop scalable optical and optoelectronic test/calibration procedures for integrated photonics devices in sensing applications.The candidate will develop test methodologies: spending significant time in the lab, writing code, and defining test plans/specifications. This will involve designing specialized test equipment, optimizing calibration processes to achieve high throughput and yield, running tests/calibrations, working cross-functionally within Apple, and working with partners external to Apple. Your work will establish the foundation for transitioning cutting-edge photonics technology into high-volume consumer products.

Description

• Develop and run test/calibration methodologies optimized for speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness
• Develop Python scripts and modules for characterization/test/calibration automation, and data analysis
• Define requirements and specifications for specialized test equipment in collaboration with equipment vendors and internal teams
• Optimize control and calibration algorithms for fast feedback loops and automated module operation
• Drive internal and external partners to create test/calibration processes for future high-volume manufacturing
• Work closely with photonics process and design engineers to establish best practices and understand drivers of performance variability

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc degree in EE, Physics, or similar
• Experience with laser, free-space, fiber, or integrated optics, and a variety of optical measurement techniques
• Experience with object-oriented programming and data analysis in Python, or similar

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in EE, Physics, or similar
• 3+ years of relevant mass production experience developing test processes for photonics or optical systems, including design and specification of custom test equipment and automation solutions
• Experience automating hardware test stations in a lab or manufacturing setting for characterization of active integrated photonic devices
• Experience in modelling, designing, and building free-space, diffuse light, and fiber-based optical setups
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration with engineering and operations teams
• Understanding of manufacturing constraints including cost modeling, throughput optimization, and yield considerations
• Experience building and maintaining Python modules, including git-based version control, documentation and continuous integration testing
• Familiarity with basic electronic circuits, control theory, and feedback loops, optics/electronics lab experience, including working with PCBs and test equipment such as oscilloscopes, OSAs, wavemeters, function generators, etc.