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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the ...

Optical Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$147.40K - $272.10K/yr

Optical Simulation Engineer Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store ...

Optical Simulation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159.20K - $206K/yr

The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the development ...

... Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field Experience with 2 or more of the following: optical simulation, ISP pipelines, sensor modeling, computer vision, or ...

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159.20K - $206K/yr

Apple's display team is searching for a candidate on the optical simulation, design, and validation ... Experience using programming languages (MATLAB, Python etc) and statistic tools (JMP etc) to solve ...

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159.20K - $206K/yr

The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test ... Experience in modeling and analyzing illumination systems using optical simulation software such as ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

... simulation using Zemax • Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance evaluation • ... D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field • ...

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147.40K - $272.10K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development of custom illumination and ... Experience with simulations involving coherent light propagation and polarization. Experience with ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

What are the main challenges an Optical Simulation Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is an Optical Simulation Engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

More about Optical Simulation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optical Simulation Engineer

Optical Simulation Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$147.40K - $272.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something - you’ll add something.
Description
The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the development cycle. This engineer will develop state-of-the-art end-to-end modeling and simulation solutions with cross-functional team members for our Optical Imaging Systems that can facilitate provide early feedback to Apple product design and enable novel simulation pipelines for future technologies. This engineer will also be responsible for validation, application, and scale up of the simulation tools. The ideal candidate is someone that is always striving to learn something new, is a self-starter and can work autonomously with high levels of success, is excited about solving new challenging problems with innovative solutions, has experience presenting ideas and building consensus with teammates, and thrives in an environment of smart people and loves to challenge the status quo. Come join us!","responsibilities":"Development of Optical and Imaging simulation capabilities and applications to inform design decisions of new technologies and new optical designs.
Work together with cross-functional team members to develop end-to-end simulation solutions
Validate simulation pipelines
Deploy simulation algorithms to internal cloud computing platforms
Perform data analysis on results and generate reports for review
Support internal simulation tools across projects including training and documentation
Preferred Qualifications
Understanding of imaging systems
Ability to model and simulate optical systems using Zemax, Code V, etc.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; excellent judgment; a self-directed, proactive approach to tackling problems and working through impediment and an ability to foster trust and build alliances with co-workers
Experience with Cloud Computing
Fluent in both oral and written English
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Optics, Imaging Science, Physics, EE, CS, ME, or relevant field of study and/or 3+ years of related work or academic experience
Programming experience (Python, Matlab, and/or C/C++/C#)
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976