Test & Instrumentation Development Engineer

Apple•Cupertino, CA

About The Position

The Instrumentation and Test technology team architects and designs end-to-end test and measurement systems to validate sensor performance and other critical technologies. This engineer will help design comprehensive test strategies and methodologies and integrate measurement systems for new product introduction, characterization, ramp, and mass production. The role spans defining high-level test plans and architecting the instruments needed to execute them, including hardware, software, and algorithms for next-generation products. Working with cross-functional teams, the engineer will develop test methodologies and instrumentation for system characterization, calibration, and validation in a fast-paced product development environment. The role includes developing instrumentation platforms, rolling out production software to suppliers, prototyping and debugging instruments, investigating defects, and supporting supplier builds and qualification. International travel to manufacturing partners in Asia is required, up to 25% (typically 2–4 trips per year). The role may eventually lead an engineering team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) or Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience in a hands-on technical role.
At least 3 years of programming experience in a language such as C/C++ or Python.
Experience in test integration and implementation, with a strong foundation in system- or application-level test software or instrumentation hardware design.
Experience creating and documenting comprehensive test plans, defining test cases and coverage, and developing validation methodologies for complex systems.
Hands-on experience with electronics debugging tools.
Electrical engineering fundamentals, including the ability to read schematics, layouts, and component datasheets.
Experience developing robust software and algorithms in a modern object-oriented or scripting language, such as Python or C++.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and design teams.
Strong debugging and failure-analysis skills across software, hardware, and system domains.
Curiosity, adaptability, focused problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn new skills and contribute across disciplines.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally, up to 25%, to support manufacturing partners.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Apple ecosystem.
Background testing high-volume consumer electronics, particularly touch, sensing, display, or other complex user-facing technologies.
Knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) or image-processing algorithms.
Experience with instrument cameras and optical capture systems.
Experience with structured problem-solving methodologies such as Design of Experiments (DOE).
Ability to perform and interpret statistical data analysis.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Architect, design, and develop instrumentation hardware, software, and firmware platforms for testing and calibrating sensors.
Create and roll out production instrumentation software to suppliers.
Author sensing technology instrumentation engineering requirements documents.
Prototype, bring up, debug, and characterize instruments for new products.
Prepare and deliver technical presentations.
Perform defect root cause analysis and resolution, including diligent bug database tracking.
Liaise with suppliers and support instrumentation bring-up and qualification at engineering builds, usually in Asia.
Develop comprehensive test strategies, plans, test cases, coverage, and validation methodologies for complex systems.
Travel internationally to support manufacturing partners during key product builds; travel may be up to 25%, typically 2–4 trips per year.
The role may eventually lead an engineering team.