Camera Optical Illumination Engineer

Role Overview

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

Responsibilities

The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development and system-level integration of new illumination components such as the camera flash.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study. Experience in LightTools, SPEOS, Zemax non-sequential, RSoft, or Lumerical.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study with 3 years of relevant industry experience

Experience in optical design applied to illumination systems such as general lighting, automotive lighting, displays, cameras, or optical metrology.

Ability to write scripts to automate optical simulations and data analysis (Python, Matlab, C#, C++, VB).

Experience using AI coding agents (Claude Code, MCP servers, agent skills) along optical software (LightTools, CODE V, Zemax) to automate simulation and analysis work.

Ability to verify AI-generated scripts and results against optics first-principles. Build and validate tools and workflows for use across the larger team.

Experience with optical characterization equipment such as spectrophotometers and scatterometers. Understanding of LEDs and solid-state lighting. Familiarity with CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks. Ability to interface with cross-functional teams to support integration of illumination components into systems and assess feasibility of new optical concepts.

Compensation & 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 $150,400 and $225,300, 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.

Application Instructions

Apply directly on Apple Jobs at Camera Optical Illumination Engineer↗.

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