Role & seniority
- Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer (level not explicitly stated; minimum BSc, preferred PhD and 3+ yrs relevant mass-production experience)
Stack/tools
- Python (OOP, scripting, data analysis; automation modules)
- Git (version control), documentation, CI testing
- Optics/photonic measurement & lab equipment: lasers, free-space/fiber/integrated optics setups; oscilloscopes, OSAs, wavemeters, function generators; working with PCBs
- Test/automation of hardware test stations (lab/manufacturing)
Top 3 responsibilities
- Develop and run optical and optoelectronic test/calibration methodologies optimized for speed, scalability, cost, throughput, and yield
- Create Python automation for characterization/test/calibration and perform data analysis
- Define and specify specialized test equipment and collaborate with internal teams/vendors/partners to scale processes for future high-volume manufacturing
Must-have skills
- Optics lab experience (laser, free-space, fiber, integrated optics; optical measurement techniques)
- Python development with OOP and data analysis
- Ability to design/optimize test and calibration algorithms/control and feedback loops
Nice-to-haves
- PhD in EE/Physics (or similar); 3+ years in mass-production photonics/optical test process development
- Experience automating hardware test stations for active integrated photo

Full Description

Apple is looking for a Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer with strong optics lab skills, coding experience, and passion in scaling technology from prototype to high-volume manufacturing environment. You will work to develop scalable optical and optoelectronic test/calibration procedures for integrated photonics devices in sensing applications. The candidate will develop test

methodologies: spending significant time in the lab, writing code, and defining test plans/specifications. This will involve designing specialized test equipment, optimizing calibration processes to achieve high throughput and yield, running tests/calibrations, working cross-functionally within Apple, and working with partners external to Apple. Your work will establish the foundation for transitioning cutting-edge photonics technology into high-volume consumer products.

DESCRIPTION

As a Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer, you will have the following

responsibilities: • Develop and run test/calibration methodologies optimized for speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness • Develop Python scripts and modules for characterization/test/calibration automation, and data analysis • Define requirements and specifications for specialized test equipment in collaboration with equipment vendors and internal teams • Optimize control and calibration algorithms for fast feedback loops and automated module operation • Drive internal and external partners to create test/calibration processes for future high-volume manufacturing • Work closely with photonics process and design engineers to establish best practices and understand drivers of performance variability

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BSc degree in EE, Physics, or similar • Experience with laser, free-space,
fiber, or integrated optics, and a variety of optical measurement techniques •
Experience with object-oriented programming and data analysis in Python, or
similar

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

PhD degree in EE, Physics, or similar • 3+ years of relevant mass production
experience developing test processes for photonics or optical systems, including
design and specification of custom test equipment and automation solutions •
Experience automating hardware test stations in a lab or manufacturing setting
for characterization of active integrated photonic devices • Experience in
modelling, designing, and building free-space, diffuse light, and fiber-based
optical setups • Experience in cross-functional collaboration with engineering
and operations teams • Understanding of manufacturing constraints including cost
modeling, throughput optimization, and yield considerations • Experience
building and maintaining Python modules, including git-based version control,
documentation and continuous integration testing • Familiarity with basic
electronic circuits, control theory, and feedback loops, optics/electronics lab
experience, including working with PCBs and test equipment such as
oscilloscopes, OSAs, wavemeters, function generators, etc.