Senior Optical Health Sensing Engineer, Pixel Hardware

Google; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking an optical sensor design engineer in Mountain View to own the design, characterization, and mass-production ramp of Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors for wearable devices.

You will lead architecture, optical simulation, hardware integration, and yield improvement, collaborating with EE, PD, and Manufacturing teams to deliver high-performance sensing systems for Pixel wearables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working on optical sensor design.
• Experience in scripting and data analysis using Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Model and simulate light-tissue interactions (Monte Carlo simulations, ray-tracing via LightTools/Zemax) to optimize LED-to-PD optical paths and engagement depth.
• Author Engineering Requirements Specifications (ERS) for PPG optical subsystems, defining SNR, Perfusion Index (PI), Signal-to-Motion Ratio (SMR), and power efficiency.
• Drive component selection and custom development for LEDs (wavelengths/binning), photodiode arrays, optical filters, and Analog Front-End (AFE) silicon.
• Collaborate with EE and PD teams on schematic reviews, PCB/FPC routing, and mechanical packaging constraints. Lead benchtop bring-up, optical characterization, Direct/Reflected Light Path (DLP/RLP) baseline analysis, and dynamic range extension validation.
• Define and implement factory test requirements, optical calibration, and FATP station testing methodologies. Lead root-cause failure analysis (FA) during development builds and drive corrective actions for yield regressions.

Skills

Optical sensor design

Python or MATLAB scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics or related field

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

LightTools

Zemax

TracePro

FRED

Job description

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working on optical sensor design.
• Experience in scripting and data analysis using Python or MATLAB.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience with hardware bring-up, bench characterization, and oscilloscope/spectrometer lab equipment.
• Proficiency in optical modeling and simulation software (e.g., Zemax, LightTools, TracePro, or FRED).
• Strong understanding of photoplethysmography (PPG) fundamentals, tissue optics, and photodetector/LED physics.

About the job

Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google’s direct-to-consumer products. You’ll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration.

In this role, you will be directly in charge of the design, characterization, and integration of the Photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor into Google wearable products. You will lead the architecture, optical simulation, hardware integration, and mass-production productization of advanced bio-optical sensing systems across consumer health devices (smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables).

You will work at the intersection of optical design, biomedical sensing physics, optoelectronics, and cross-functional hardware development. Collaborating closely with Algorithm/DSP, Electrical Engineering (EE), Product Design (PD/Mechanical), and Manufacturing teams, you will drive motion-artifact mitigation from initial concept through mass-production ramp.

The Google Pixel team focuses on designing and delivering the world’s most helpful mobile experience. The team works on shaping the future of Pixel devices and services through some of the most advanced designs, techniques, products, and experiences in consumer electronics. This includes bringing together the best of Google’s artificial intelligence, software, and hardware to build global smartphones and create transformative experiences for users across the world.Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $159000 - $230000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Responsibilities

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Model and simulate light-tissue interactions (Monte Carlo simulations, ray-tracing via LightTools/Zemax) to optimize LED-to-PD optical paths and engagement depth. Optimize optical geometries, back-cover curvature, light guides, optical crosstalk isolation, and lens stackups.
• Author Engineering Requirements Specifications (ERS) for PPG optical subsystems, defining SNR, Perfusion Index (PI), Signal-to-Motion Ratio (SMR), and power efficiency.
• Drive component selection and custom development for LEDs (wavelengths/binning), photodiode arrays, optical filters, and Analog Front-End (AFE) silicon.
• Collaborate with EE and PD teams on schematic reviews, PCB/FPC routing, and mechanical packaging constraints. Lead benchtop bring-up, optical characterization, Direct/Reflected Light Path (DLP/RLP) baseline analysis, and dynamic range extension validation.
• Define and implement factory test requirements, optical calibration, and FATP station testing methodologies. Lead root-cause failure analysis (FA) during development builds and drive corrective actions for yield regressions.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google’s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .