Apple

AR/VR Design Validation Engineer

Apple$120K — $145K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 3+ years of experience
  • Proven ability to correlate optical simulations with measured hardware performance
  • Skilled in using optical simulation tools (e.g., LightTools, Zemax)
  • Hands-on experience in optical design, display technologies, or optical sensors
  • Preferred: Masters or PhD in a relevant field
  • Familiarity with metasurfaces and consumer optical product development
  • Experience in project management and cross-phase deliverables

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end optical models to validate module performance
  • Develop optical simulation pipelines and methodologies
  • Define engineering builds and design experiments
  • Conduct failure mode analysis on optical systems
  • Translate technical findings into actionable design guidance
  • Establish validation methodologies across the organization
  • Lead cross-functional technical direction initiatives

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth
  • Collaborative work environment with strong cross-functional teams
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in optical engineering
  • Flexible work arrangements to maintain work-life balance
  • Support for continued education and training in optical engineering
Full Job Description
You will own the end-to-end optical models that validate measured module performance, continuously improving design iteration accuracy and enabling predictive performance capability. This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating technical findings into actionable design guidance. You are expected to establish new validation methodologies and shape technical direction across the organization, requiring deep optical expertise paired with strong cross-functional leadership skills. The ideal candidate operates independently, maintains rigorous attention to detail, and drives results through excellent communication and presentation abilities. Minimum 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 Preferred Qualifications 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.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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