Prototyping Engineer

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Apple, Inc. is seeking a visionary Prototyping Engineer in Cupertino to push the boundaries of spatial computing, AI-driven prototyping, and computational photography.

You will craft high-fidelity simulations that inform next‑gen sensors and cameras, bridging software and hardware with an artistic, cinematographic approach. You will help translate insights from simulations into concrete hardware specs, tackle embodied AI challenges, and accelerate prototyping using modern AI workflows within the

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to accelerate software development and rapid prototyping by integrating AI coding assistants and automation.
• Deep understanding of optical physics and real-world camera characteristics to ensure synthetic data and simulations mirror hardware.
• Strong foundation in real-time computer graphics and novel view synthesis with an eye for lighting and cinematography.

Skills

AI prototyping

Real-time graphics

Cameras/optics understanding

Sensor data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Swift

Metal

RealityKit

visionOS

Motion capture pipelines

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

We are seeking a visionary Prototyping Engineer who operates at the bleeding edge of spatial computing, generative AI, and computational photography. In this role, you will not just build 3D environments; you will architect the simulated testing grounds for the next generation of Apple hardware. By blending the aesthetic sensibilities of visual effects and cinematography with modern AI-accelerated workflows, you will explore how emerging world models can redefine what a camera is capable of.

Description

Your work will directly inform hardware design, translating insights from high-fidelity simulations into concrete specifications for future sensors. You will tackle the defining challenges of embodied AI: making sense of chaotic physical environments, filtering noisy sensor data, and accurately interpreting user intent to create seamless, magical experiences. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional taste, deep technical rigor, and a relentless drive to accelerate their prototyping process using the latest AI development paradigms.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated ability to accelerate software development and rapid prototyping by seamlessly integrating modern AI coding assistants and automation into your workflow
• Deep understanding of optical physics and real-world camera characteristics (e.g., motion blur, sensor noise, optical geometry, lens distortion) to ensure synthetic data and simulations accurately mirror physical hardware
• Strong foundation in real-time computer graphics and novel view synthesis, paired with a refined aesthetic eye for lighting, composition, and cinematography

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, Computer Graphics, HCI, or a related technical discipline, with substantial applied research or industry experience
• Proven track record of designing robust systems that can interpret ambiguous user inputs and noisy sensor data within unpredictable, real-world conditions
• Passion for the frontier of spatial intelligence, with experience leveraging, fine-tuning, or developing foundation models specifically tailored for multimodal sensor data (camera, microphone, IMU, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to bridge the gap between software and hardware, translating software-driven insights and AI simulations into actionable physical camera specifications
• Familiarity developing for the Apple ecosystem (Swift, Metal, RealityKit, visionOS)
• Hands-on experience with motion capture pipelines and the generation of high-quality synthetic 3D datasets for machine learning research
• Comfortable navigating the ambiguity of an incubation environment, with a talent for communicating complex technical tradeoffs across design, software, and hardware teams

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.