1

Sensor Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple is looking for a world class module design engineer to lead the design, development and ... Description This individual will serve as a focal point in managing new display and light sensor ...

Apple is looking for a world class module design engineer to lead the design, development and ... Description This individual will serve as a focal point in managing new display and light sensor ...

Mixed Signal RTL Design

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $350K/yr

Collaborate closely with analog designers on loop compensation, sensor design, quantization effects, and delay budgeting. * Analyze and optimize for area, power, timing, and metastability in the ...

You'll design and develop groundbreaking ideas for everything involved in our camera systems, from sensor to lens. You'll collaborate with teams across Apple to research, design, develop, test, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sensor Design information

See California salary details

$77.5K

$127.5K

$188K

How much do sensor design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor design in California is $127,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers can DT lead to?

A career in sensor design can lead to roles such as sensor engineer, hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, or R&D engineer. Professionals often work in industries like electronics, automotive, aerospace, or healthcare, utilizing skills in circuit design, programming, and testing. Advancement may involve project management or specialized research positions.

What are the four main types of sensors?

In sensor design, the four main types of sensors are temperature sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, and motion sensors. These sensors detect specific physical properties and convert them into electrical signals, often requiring knowledge of electronics and calibration. Understanding these types helps sensor designers develop accurate and reliable sensing solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or working in high-demand industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Sensor Design roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sensor Design often encounter challenges such as balancing sensitivity and selectivity, minimizing noise and interference, and ensuring manufacturability at scale. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—can help address integration issues and optimize performance. Keeping up with rapid technological advances is also key, so continuous learning and prototyping are essential parts of the role. Open communication and iterative testing are important strategies to overcome these challenges and deliver reliable sensor solutions.

What is the highest paying job in design?

In design fields, senior roles such as Creative Director, User Experience Director, or Design Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and project management.

What is sensor design?

Sensor design is the process of developing devices that detect and respond to physical stimuli such as heat, light, motion, or pressure. This field involves engineering the materials, electronics, and structures that allow sensors to accurately convert real-world signals into measurable electrical outputs. Sensor designers work on optimizing sensitivity, reliability, and integration with other systems, which are critical for applications in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sensor Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensor Design Engineer, a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field is essential, along with experience in sensor technology and circuit design. Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software (like COMSOL or ANSYS), and relevant industry certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These skills ensure the ability to create innovative, reliable sensors that meet technical requirements and function seamlessly in their intended applications.

What is the difference between Sensor Design vs Sensor Testing?

AspectSensor DesignSensor Testing
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized knowledge in sensor developmentEngineering or technical degree, focus on testing procedures
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, development teamsTesting labs, quality assurance departments, field testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer devicesManufacturers, quality assurance firms, research institutions

Sensor Design involves creating and developing new sensor technologies, focusing on innovation and functionality. Sensor Testing, on the other hand, evaluates sensor performance to ensure quality and reliability. Both roles are essential in the sensor industry but differ in their focus—designing versus validating sensors.

Infographic showing various Sensor Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,526 per year, or $61.3 per hour.
Display Module Design Engineer

Display Module Design Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$162K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is looking for a world class module design engineer to lead the design, development and qualification activities of the next generation smart display technology and products.
Description
This individual will serve as a focal point in managing new display and light sensor technology development and drive the implementation of critical technology platforms to improve display performance and productivity, from design conception to hardware and experience prototyping, and to final products. You will be involved in system modeling to assist in design and validation. You will work with a diverse and multidisciplinary group of highly talented colleagues. You will be a directly responsible individual and collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to understand design tolerance and sensitivities, optimize system-level performance based on critical metrics, and validate system designs through engineering builds and design of experiments.
A successful candidate needs to be comfortable with new technology, a flexible problem solver, meticulous in attention to detail, highly independent, and motivated to drive results. You should be able to tackle problems outside of your respective technical area, have strong presentation and communication skills, and thrive in a hands-on environment that values engineering excellence and innovation. You will be part of something big; come join us!","responsibilities":"Define display architecture, requirements along with actionable test/qualification plans
Develop simulation models and hardware test vehicles
Drive module qualification including issue failure analysis and corrective action
Collaborate with system team to drive module specification and convergence
Host regular supplier meetings to drive engineering activities to meet project milestones and convergence on any open issues
Investigate new display and sensing technologies, perform detail tradeoff studies, and generate new approaches to further enhance display performance and productivity
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with LED, VSCEL and light sensor design and packaging, and fundamental understanding of optics, device physics and sensing architecture are a big plus in driving architecture definition and convergence
Expertise in light source and sensing technology (eg mini-LEDs, micro-LEDs, VSCEL, ALS, Proximity Sensors, etc)
Experience developing and executing comprehensive test plans for optical system
Familiarity with color science, color calibration, and display/lighting metrology standards
Experience taking a hardware product from concept through to mass production
Experience in building compelling hardware or experience prototypes
Strong presentation and communication skills
An eagerness to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and continually develop by staying open-minded & curious. Strong sense of personal ownership, with the ability to comprehensively handle tasks from start to finish independently.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or minimum 5 years of experience in related field
Experience in optical design and simulation for light source, optics, sensors, and their interactions
Experience with data analysis and scripting language for modeling, simulation, and test automation.
Hands-on experience with lab equipment for optical and electrical characterization
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 $162,500 and $286,400, 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.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

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