Algorithm Engineer - Motion Sensor Calibration & Testing

Algorithm Engineer - Motion Sensor Calibration & Testing

Join the Apple HWTE team! We develop cutting-edge metrology solutions and play a key role in maintaining the high standards of Apple products. By working in our team, you will have the unique opportunity to impact products across all of Apple. Here, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. We are looking for a highly skilled Algorithm Engineer specializing in the testing, validation, simulation, and calibration of motion sensors, including Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), pressure sensors, and magnetometers. You will spearhead the development of algorithm and AI/LLM tools, to bridge the gap between hardware and software, ensuring that our motion sensors deliver unparalleled accuracy and reliability in millions of iPhones, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro headsets, and other portable devices worldwide. If you are passionate about signal processing, kinematics, mathematics, numerical optimization, simulation, AI or robotics, we want to hear from you.

In this role, you will develop and validate new sensor metrology and calibration approaches for motion sensor. You will build simulation platforms, empowered by AI/LLM, to prove out algorithms and make sure that calibration solutions are ready before product builds begin. You will also collaborate with mechanical engineers and systems engineers to design and validate proof-of-concept test setups in the lab.

Responsibilities

• Simulation Platform Ownership: Own and evolve the sensor simulation platform to model sensor behavior, fixture kinematics, and motion profiles across diverse fixture designs (robot arms, conveyors, gimbals, linear stages). Continuously extend simulation capabilities as new fixture concepts, test time and calibration requirements and sensor technologies emerge. Use simulation to evaluate calibration observability, fixture motion profile, and algorithm robustness. Integrate simulation workflows with the broader test infrastructure ecosystem.
• AI-Driven Automation: Leverage AI and LLM to automate sensor-related workflows, improve simulation usability, and make the simulation platform more accessible to the broader team. Develop and maintain tooling and automation pipelines to streamline calibration validation and large-scale dataset analysis.
• Algorithm Development: Characterize raw sensor performance, design, implement and validate calibration algorithms to quantify IMU performance and drive iterative improvements. This includes reference implementations in MATLAB or Python and production implementations in C++, opportunistic calibration approaches, segmentation algorithms, analytical derivations that inform fixture specifications and motion profile design, and documenting algorithm mathematics through white-papers and technical references.
• Proof-of-Concept & Early Technology Engagement: Scope IMU algorithms and calibration approaches for future products and new sensor technologies. Conduct proof-of-concept work to validate metrology solutions well before product proto builds begin, ensuring calibration readiness and reducing iteration during production.
• Mechanical Integration for Prototyping: Collaborate with mechanical engineers and systems engineers to design and validate proof-of-concept test setups in the lab. Provide fixture specifications and motion profile requirements, ensuring test setups deliver the precise, repeatable movements required for IMU calibration.
• Data Analysis & Signal Processing: Apply statistical analysis to large-scale sensor data sets to evaluate algorithm performance, identify anomalies (bias, drift, noise, skewness, scale factor and misalignment errors), and root-cause failures. Use data-driven insights to drive iterative improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master's, or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 2 years of industry experience in sensor algorithms, robotics, or signal processing
• Proficiency with C++, Python, MATLAB and Git/version control.
• Proficiency with containerized development environments (e.g., Docker) and reproducible compute workflows.
• Good understanding of following mathematics fundamentals: Linear Algebra, Numerical Optimization, Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• Experience working with large experimental datasets and algorithm validation workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency with AI/ML tools and frameworks for workflow automation is a big plus
• Understanding of motion sensor architecture and error characteristics
• Experience with IMU / inertial sensor characterization, calibration, or testing
• Background in rigid body kinematics, motion control, or robotics simulation
• Experience developing simulation frameworks or analysis pipelines for physical systems
• Experience in consumer electronics manufacturing or sensor metrology
• Mechatronics, systems engineering, or related experience

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity, and thus we treat all applicants fairly and equally. Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities.