Photonics Test Development Hardware Engineer
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- Have you previously worked at Apple?
About this role
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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.
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
- 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
- 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.