Sensor Test R&D Mechatronics Engineer

Summary

Sensing technology empowers Apple products with revolutionary features, including Touch ID, Face ID, 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.

Description

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 electrical, mechanical, and software domains. This position offers a clear growth path toward test system architecture or cross-functional leadership, and your work will directly influence the quality and scalability of Apple's most innovative sensing technologies through seamless mechatronic integration.

Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams to define test methodologies for a wide range of sensing hardware (force, actuators/motors/BLDC, haptics, acoustics, vibration etc.)
• Author clear and thorough sensor technology test engineering requirement documents.
• Provide first principles understanding of characterization data results including analysis of results and how it impact the sensor functioning and integration, FACA & Root Cause Analysis.
• Design and deliver test solutions that are fully integrated across electrical, mechanical, and software domains
• Debug issues across hardware-software boundaries and support system bring-up at internal and external manufacturing sites
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to optimize test systems for Apple's high-volume production quality standards
• Deliver executive-level summaries and technical presentations that communicate complex concepts clearly
• Travel domestically and internationally (as needed) to Apple and supplier facilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Practical knowledge in electrical design & analysis, hands-on experience with common electronic instrumentations (e.g. SMU, DMM, Oscilloscope)
• Hands-on programming skills (e.g. C/C++, python) for embedded systems and mechatronics 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
• BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or related fields with a minimum of 5 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