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AR/VR Design Validation Engineer

Apple· Hardware
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Hybrid (San Francisco Bay Area)$150.4k - $225.3kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Apple seeks an optical engineer to translate next-generation display technologies into validated, real-world performance. Responsible for end-to-end optical model validation, bridging design, testing, and manufacturing, and deriving actionable design guidance from experimental results.

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end design validation for next-generation optical display components
  • Own the development and validation of optical simulation capabilities and closing the simulation-measurement feedback loop using real build data
  • Define characterization pipelines, build plans, and data architecture to establish a rigorous design-to-performance validation, ensuring results are systematically captured and translated cross-functionally into actionable insights
  • Define critical performance metrics and develop specifications to guarantee component performance in high-volume manufacturing builds
  • Drive failure mode analysis and root-cause diagnosis across optical components to support build critical issues, ultimately translating the learnings into improved predictive simulation capability.
  • Analyze results, produce comprehensive reports, and communicate findings to diverse cross-functional teams spanning product design, manufacturing, and integration

Qualifications

  • BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Established track record of correlating optical simulations with measured hardware performance in industry or R&D settings
  • Proficiency with one or more optical simulation tools (LightTools, FDTD, RCWA, Zemax, Code V, etc)
  • Hands-on experience in at least one area: optical design/metrology, display technologies, optical sensors, thin-film processes, or nanofabrication
  • Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Experience with metasurfaces, diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development
  • Experience with engineering builds, managing cross-phase deliverables, high-volume manufacturing, or module integration experience
  • Self-driven with excellent project management, meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Working knowledge of optical measurement systems including light sources, microscopes, spectrometers, detectors, and free-space optics
  • Statistical data analysis capabilities using tools such as JMP, Matlab, Python, etc.

Skills

Required:Optical modeling and simulation

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • retirement benefits
  • discounted products and free services
  • reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
  • discretionary bonuses or commission payments and relocation may be available
  • Apple Employee Stock Purchase Plan and discretionary stock awards
Last updated Aug 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

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