Sensor System Architect, Touch & Biometric Sensing
Apple
IT
Cupertino, CA, USA
Posted on Mar 17, 2026
Imagine shaping the future of how people interact with Apple products, from secure biometric authentication to the nuances of the touch experience. As a key member of our Sensing Systems team, you will drive architecture & technology development for both next-generation Touch ID, and Apple Watch Touch technologies.
Your work will ensure that Apple devices are not only fundamentally secure, but also offer the most intuitive and responsive touch interfaces in the world. This role sits at the intersection of technology definition and product integration, spanning initial concept & physics-based modeling, through definition of system requirements that guide mass production.
- Define and lead development of end-to-end system models for novel touch and biometric sensing systems, spanning physics, electronics, mechanics, and algorithms
- Author feature-level and architectural specifications for next-generation sensing modules, translating product goals into detailed technical requirements
- Drive convergence of system architecture by leading cross-functional teams, e.g., Product Design, Display, Silicon, Software), to navigate complex design tradeoffs
- Define and communicate technical strategy and roadmap for future sensing technologies to executive and cross functional leadership
- Partner with algorithm and firmware teams to co-develop the signal processing chain and define the requirements for advanced sensing algorithms
- Directly influence the selection and development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes by working closely with mechanical and materials engineering teams
- Guide the analysis of large-scale engineering and production datasets to validate system models, driving continuous improvement from early characterization to mass production
- Provide architectural oversight through product integration, characterization, and validation, to ensure design intent is met
- 10% business travel to support product development
- Deep multi-disciplinary understanding of EE (esp. analog circuits), ME, and Physics principles
- Experience in sensor or related technology development with proficiency in algorithm development and signal processing for sensor systems
- Experience in modeling complex cross-disciplinary systems, using tools such as Matlab, Python, SPICE, or similar
- Familiarity with mechanical design principles, FEA, and advanced materials
- BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
- Background in control systems and / or estimation theory
- Experience with statistical tolerance or MonteCarlo analysis methods in a mass production setting
- Deep experience with multi physics simulation tools (e.g., Comsol, ANSYS, Maxwell)
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and technical leadership skills
- M.S. or PhD in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Apple 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 applicant.