AR​/VR Design Validation Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

Apple is seeking an optical engineer with a passion for translating next-generation display technologies to reality. You will bridge design, testing, and manufacturing by validating that our optical simulation models accurately predict real-world performance.

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.

• 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

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 10+ 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 (Light Tools, FDTD, RCWA, Zemax, Code V, etc)
• Hands‑on experience in at least two areas: optical design/metrology, display technologies, optical sensors, thin‑film processes, or nanofabrication
• 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

• Masters or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with diffractive optics, waveguide design, or consumer optical product development
• Successful track record leading engineering builds and managing cross-phase deliverables
• Experience defining and executing a validation program from conception to conclusion in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• High-volume manufacturing or module integration experience
• Demonstrated ability to link performance issues to root causes and guide cross-functional teams toward solutions through strong analytical and creative thinking
• Self‑driven with excellent project management, meticulous attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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…