Job Details

Photonics Experimentalist & Systems Control Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: May 01, 2025

Role Number: 200601491

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 unique and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple’s customers every single day.

Apple is looking for a Photonics Experimentalist with strong software development skills to work on research and development of novel integrated photonics devices in sensing applications. You will work within an optical science team and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary group. The candidate will be responsible for the software development of test setups and data analysis, development of test setups, the optimization of feedback loops and device operation, generating reports, and documentation of optical/photonics testing. Your work will enable fast iteration and be a key enabler for the progress of the larger project.

Description

As a Photonics Experimentalist, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Develop test setups and characterization techniques & equipment
• Proof-of-concept experimentation
• Develop software for photonics characterization and data analysis
• Develop control and calibration SW for feedback loops and module operation
• Interact with cross-functional team to optimize system-level integration
• Work closely with photonics process and design engineers to optimize chip performance and understand drivers of performance variability
• Work independently to overcome existing roadblocks and identify areas for improvement

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in EE, Physics, Mathematics, or similar

• Experience in photonics, photonics testing, fiber or free-space optics, optomechanics, and a variety of optical measurement techniques

• Object-oriented programming skills and data analysis in Python, or similar

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant industry experience

• PhD degree in EE, Physics, Mathematics, or similar

• Experience with development of photonics test stations, automation of test equipment, and characterization of photonics devices

• Experience in design and build of free-space optical setups

• Experience in cross-functional collaboration

• Eagerness to conduct hands-on work in the lab and interested in experimentation and characterization work that requires meticulous attention to detail

• Experience in building and maintaining full Python repositories or modules, including documentation and testing scripts. Regular use of version control systems like Git.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

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 $143,100 and $264,200, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.