Optical Test Development Engineer

Apple

Apple

Cupertino, CA, USA

Posted on Apr 16, 2026
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Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, smart people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the unrivaled and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple’s customers every single day.
In this Optical Test Development Engineer role, you will leverage your experience in optical simulation, test design, data processing, and automation to develop novel optics alignment and test setups for ultracompact free-space optics systems from design and simulations to prototyping, implementation, and transfer to volume manufacturing.
  • Design, develop, simulate, and automate optical alignment and test setups for manufacturing ultra-compact free-space optical systems
  • Utilize your skills in optical simulation, test development, automation, and data processing to propose novel approaches to automated optics alignment, performance testing, and troubleshooting
  • Contribute to the design, implementation, and test of novel technology proof-of-concept devices and prototypes
  • Work in a team and contribute to the development of next-generation optics and photonics devices
  • BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE, or a related field
  • Experience in free-space optical system design and/or optical test development
  • Programming experience using MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools
  • 10+ years of relevant industry experience
  • MS or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, EE, or a related field
  • Experience with the design, simulation, optimization, and bringup of free-space optical test setups
  • Experience in the automation of optical alignment and test setups, using various imaging and sensing modalities
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: development of optical alignment processes, image data processing, tolerance analysis, physical optics, or coherent optical effects
  • Experience with at least one commercial optics simulation tool, such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent
  • The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team environment
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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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 accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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