Camera Module Characterization Engineer
Apple
San Diego, CA, USA
USD 139,500-258,100 / year + Equity
Posted on Feb 25, 2026
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, testing, and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. We are seeking for an extraordinary individual to help us tackle tomorrow's challenges! You will collaborate with teams across Apple to explore, define, and drive the development of next-generation cameras.
As a Camera Module Characterization Engineer, you will design laboratory experiments, develop metrology tools and platforms, and create image processing algorithms to evaluate camera actuator technologies and camera designs. You will take ownership of performance characterization, design validation, and failure analysis.
- Design and perform laboratory experiments in Apple labs to characterize camera prototype and product intent devices for design validation and failure analysis
- Evaluate new actuator technologies, camera lens design, and sensor/EE/ME designs; thoroughly and rigorously characterize image quality, auto-focus and image stabilization performance.
- Define and execute characterization and validation plans, develop quantitative metrics and analysis method to evaluate performance, develop new test equipment and procedures
- Write clear and comprehensive characterization reports and present findings to cross-functional teams to enable data-driven decisions
- Occasional international and domestic travel (<10%) to support bring up/debug at suppliers
- BS degree in Physics, ME, EE, or Optical Engineering, with a minimum 3+ years of relevant industry experience
- Experience with Matlab or Python programming skills
- Experience in at least 1 of the following domains: Optical imaging system test and image quality analysis, CMOS image sensor validation, VCM actuator and position sensor calibration/test, image processing and quantitative image analysis
- MS/PhD in Physics, ME, EE, or Optical Engineering
- Experience with camera image quality metrics and evaluation methodologies
- Experience with image processing and camera ISP pipelines
- Experience with development of characterization setups involving cameras, lasers, temperature control, custom mechanical and electrical hardware
- Experience with design and validation of control systems and optical/magnetic sensing systems
- Experience with camera lens evaluation and CMOS image sensors technology
- Experience supporting volume manufacturing of camera systems at supplier sites
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.