Sensor Test System R&D Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

Sensing technology empowers Apple products with revolutionary features, including Touch , Face , and Camera Control Button. The Sensing Hardware Test team is responsible for the research, design, and development of various metrology solutions, encompassing technology characterization in laboratories and mass production manufacturing. This team is seeking an exceptional engineer with a profound understanding of the physics underlying sensing hardware and engineering principles.

This candidate will have the opportunity to explore the most advanced sensing technology and deploy innovative test infrastructure for the mass production of the next Apple product.

In this role, you'll own the integrated architecture of precision test stations—spanning custom mechanical fixtures, motion control systems, sensor integration, electrical interfaces, and embedded automation. You'll collaborate closely with hardware, software, and operations teams to deliver robust, scalable, and intelligent test solutions that bridge mechanical, electrical, and software domains. This position offers a clear growth path toward test system architecture or multi-functional leadership, and your work will directly influence the quality and scalability of Apple's most innovative sensing technologies through seamless mechatronic integration.

• Work with multi-functional teams to define the test methodology for various sensing hardware.
• Authoring sensor technology test engineering requirement documents.
• Collaborate closely with multi-functional teams to develop test solutions that are mechanically, electrically, and software integrated.
• Debug issues across the hardware-software boundary and support on-site system bring-up at manufacturing sites.
• Work with both the internal team and the external vendors to optimize test system to meet Apple's quality standard for high volume production.
• Deliver executive level summaries and presentations.
• Occasional domestic and international travel to both Apple and supplier’s facilities.

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Fundamental knowledge in electrical design & analysis, experience with common electronic instrumentations (e.g. SMU, DMM, Oscilloscope).
• Fundamental knowledge in mechanical design & analysis, experience with DFM, GD&T, TA.
• Hands-on programming skills (e.g. C/C++, python, MATLAB) for data analysis and electrical & mechanical system integration.
• Proven ability to work multi-functionally with electrical, software, and operations teams to deliver integrated test systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience preferred.
• Familiarity with sensor technologies (e.g., Touch, Force, Actuation, Optics) and their testing challenges.
• Genuine passion for diving deep into hardware-software integration issues and solving complex test problems.
• Experience designing robust, scalable test solutions for high-throughput production environments.
• Experience collaborating with external vendors to integrate test solutions.
• Experience developing complex algorithms for signal processing or control.

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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.