Exploratory Design Scientist - Platform Architecture

Role Number: 200693262Team: HardwareLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-11-07SummaryImagine what you could do here. At Apple, new insights 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. Multifaceted, inquisitive 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 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. Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the outstanding and phenomenal opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers every single day.Apple’s Exploratory Design Labs (XDLabs) has openings for experienced device experts with broad knowledge of the experimental foundations of physical computing, to help develop technological concepts and prototypes that shape what the next generation products ought to have from a technology perspective. Working with a diverse cross-functional team, you will use your deep knowledge of device structure, physics and fabrication to lead a team to design, model and prototype subsystems that accelerate key aspects of future generations of consumer electronic devices. You must embrace uncertainty and ambiguity in outcomes, and still have the ability to push through and inspire team members to get to solutions.DescriptionIn this role, you will collaborate with domain experts to conceive, model, and evolve emerging concepts and devices for future Apple systems. Leveraging a broad foundation across electronics, optics, physics, and engineering, you will build a deep quantitative understanding of how optical devices interact with computational systems. You will play a key role in the full R&D lifecycle, moving from theoretical device modeling to the physical design, prototyping, and characterization of these advanced systems.Minimum QualificationsBS in optoelectronics/electromechanical, optomechanical or similar engineering degree.Experience designing, fabricating and characterizing devices and/or systems and running time-sensitive, high-risk projects.Experience in electronic devices and optical devices modeling and designing concepts and systems around them for computing and/or other functionalities.Expertise modeling electronic and optical devices operating within systems.Preferred Qualifications20+ years of relevant industry experience.PhD in an electro-optical or nanoscale-devices or material-science-of-devices related field.Deep understanding of the physics and principles of device design and fabrication.Proven ability to exercise sound technical judgment with imperfect information; ability to operate at the right level of depth for every problem.Ability to communicate efficiently and productively with technical peers.Experience working with external partners while still carrying out innovation that stays within the organizationProven experience of leading teams while still possessing the technical depth to be an individual contributor when required.Track record of learning new fields and taking on new challenges.Pay & BenefitsAt 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 $216,200 and $324,800, 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 BenefitsNote: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.EEO StatementApple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicantAccessibilityAt Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplaceLearn about reasonable accommodations for job applicantsApplication DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.