Biomedical Sensor Architect

The Health Sensing Hardware team is looking for a highly-motivated optical engineer to work on the next-generation of optical health sensors.

The successful candidate will be able to leverage training in optical system design, modeling and fabrication to develop the optical health sensors in the Apple Watch and AirPods. This candidate should also be adept at analyzing user data to infer real-world performance trends and emergent behavior. Lastly, the candidate must be able to distill simulation and empirical results into concise design assessments to cross-functional collaborators and senior management.

Description

You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for the optical design of the sensor via simulations and prototype-based assessments, user studies and analysis of sensor performance. The role also requires strong data analysis skills to infer trends and dependencies in the data to improve the understanding of skin-sensor interactions and directly impact the design and performance of the health sensors. This is a highly cross-functional role and will require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical and software engineers. Lastly, you will be responsible for delivering detailed assessments and designs evaluations to leadership and cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will be a hardware engineer with demonstrated expertise in designing optical assemblies and platforms that integrate electro-optical components such as LEDs and VCSELs with mechanical systems. This role requires experience in planning, executing, and analyzing user studies, combined with proficiency in optical design and ray-tracing software including LightTools, OptisWorks, FRED, and Zemax. Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and C are essential, particularly for developing test platforms and hardware control software using tools like LabView. Success in this position requires flexibility, strong collaborative abilities, and a proven track record of thriving in fast-paced, cross-functional technology development environments.

In addition experience in the following areas will be a plus for this role:

Design for high-volume mass production, including defining requirements, setting specifications.

Managing third-party vendors on optical component development.

Knowledge of light transport (coherent and/or diffuse) in biological tissue is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with optical design for high-volume manufacturing.

Familiar with fundamentals of light transport in biological tissue.

Conversant in cross-functional aspects of system design; mechanical tolerance of system, sources of electrical noise.

PhD in Biomedical or Optical Engineering.

2+ years of industry experience in related field.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of optical system design for wearable sensing applications including lens design, integration of electro-optical components etc.

Strong optical simulation skills using commercial ray-tracing packages.

Experience with hands-on optical system prototyping.

Collaborative and willing to work in cross-functional fast-paced technology development.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent documentation skills.

BS in Biomedical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field.

Pay & Benefits

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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.