Optical Systems Engineer

Optical Systems Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Jul 30, 2025

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Apple’s Display Technology team features a collaborative environment with creative and best-in-class products & groundbreaking technologies. Our team provides opportunities for individuals to have an impact 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. We're looking for dedicated Engineers that thrive in a dynamic, agile, multi-disciplinary, and hands-on environment that values engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation.

Description

You will be tasked to help design and develop industry leading optical metrology systems for calibrating and testing optical display modules, across multiple product lines (e.g. vision, phone, watch, mac, pad …). You'll also have the opportunity to work on products that are in the New Product Introduction stage.

You'll have the chance to create and specify optical metrology system and key components, e.g. lens, optical relays, image sensing modules, photodetectors, light sources, etc. Quantify optical metrology instruments’ requirements, through analytics, numerical modeling, and bench-top testing. Lead optical instrument vendors for customization. Validate and qualify the instrument performance to meet mass production requirements.

In this role you'll be able to define calibration & measurement Engineering Requirement Specification (ERS) for optical instruments. Conduct effective FA (failure analysis) & CA (corrective action) for optical systems. Analyze large amounts of lab data and NPI data for validation, FA, and improvement purposes. Provide crisp and rigorous presentation and report, on subjects listed above. This is a highly collaborative role that will allow you to connect with a broad range of cross-functional teams. This position requires some domestic and international travel for work (up to 20%).

Minimum Qualifications

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

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  Experience in imaging optical system’s design, modeling, and/or performance quantification

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  Experience with quantitative data analysis abilities, using JMP, Matlab, or equivalent tools

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  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.)

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Preferred Qualifications

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  Strong analytical model building and problem-solving capability

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  Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently across a range of technical subject areas

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  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

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Pay & Benefits

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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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 ( .

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 ( .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program ( .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.