Optical Characterization Lead Engineer — Camera HW
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 2, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 9, 2026. Apple scores A on the Alion truth index.
We are looking for an electro-optics test engineer to join our growing Advanced Optics team in Herzliya. The Apple Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for the design, development, test, and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products; our team owns the end-to-end design, production, and testing of high-quality micro- and nano-optic components, including diffractive elements and metasurfaces. In this role you will own how we measure those components - developing new optical test setups, characterizing performance against design intent, and defining the metrology that carries a component from first prototype to mass production. The environment is collaborative and hands-on, spanning optical design, numerical simulation, precision measurement, and semiconductor fabrication.
Description
Develop new optical test and metrology setups for metasurface and micro-optic components - from concept and prototyping through deployment on the bench and in the fab.
Operate and maintain new and existing test stations; build prototypes, fixtures, and measurement jigs.
Measure and analyze component performance, and correlate results to optical design and simulation and to product-level requirements.
Define methods, specifications, and acceptance criteria for both engineering builds and production.
Specify vendor test equipment and procedures; qualify vendor and in-line metrology; drive tool-to-tool and site-to-site correlation studies.
Support component bring-up, tolerance and robustness studies, and failure analysis.
Interface across design, process, product, and vendor teams to integrate components into Apple products.
Minimum Qualifications
Hands-on experience in optical metrology and characterization, such as interferometry, wavefront sensing, MTF/imaging quality, spectrophotometry, ellipsometry/scatterometry, diffraction-efficiency, polarization, or stray-light measurement.
5+ years of relevant industry experience.
Proven ability to design and build optical test setups from the ground up - sources, detectors, cameras, spectrometers, opto-mechanics, and precision alignment. Prototype- and fixture-building skills are essential.
Deep proficiency in lab automation and data analysis - instrument control and scripting (Python preferred), statistical analysis, and measurement-system analysis (e.g. Gage R&R, correlation and tolerance studies).
Solid understanding of physical and wave optics relevant to micro- and nano-optics - diffraction, polarization, and imaging. Familiarity with metasurfaces and nano-photonics is an advantage.
Experience specifying and qualifying vendor test equipment and procedures, and transferring measurement methods from engineering builds into high-volume manufacturing. Familiarity with semiconductor or MEMS components testing is an advantage.
Self-directed, collaborative, and eager to learn and grow within an experienced team.
Proficient verbal and written English.
Preferred Qualifications
B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Physics, Electro-Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Ph.D. in one of the above fields with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.