Green Card Optical Engineer Jobs
Optical Engineer jobs with green card sponsorship require employers to complete PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor, file an I-140 petition with USCIS, and satisfy per-country priority date requirements before you reach lawful permanent residence. EB-2 covers advanced-degree candidates; EB-3 covers professionals with a bachelor's degree or two or more years of relevant experience.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
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 Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development and system-level integration of new illumination components such as the camera flash.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study.
- Experience in LightTools, SPEOS, Zemax non-sequential, RSoft, or Lumerical.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study with 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience in optical design applied to illumination systems such as general lighting, automotive lighting, displays, cameras, or optical metrology.
- Ability to write scripts to automate optical simulations and data analysis (Python, Matlab, C#, C++, VB).
- Experience using AI coding agents (Claude Code, MCP servers, agent skills) along optical software (LightTools, CODE V, Zemax) to automate simulation and analysis work.
- Ability to verify AI-generated scripts and results against optics first-principles. Build and validate tools and workflows for use across the larger team.
- Experience with optical characterization equipment such as spectrophotometers and scatterometers.
- Understanding of LEDs and solid-state lighting.
- Familiarity with CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks.
- Ability to interface with cross-functional teams to support integration of illumination components into systems and assess feasibility of new optical concepts.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $225,300, 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.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
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.
At 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.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
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 Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development and system-level integration of new illumination components such as the camera flash.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study.
- Experience in LightTools, SPEOS, Zemax non-sequential, RSoft, or Lumerical.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant field of study with 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience in optical design applied to illumination systems such as general lighting, automotive lighting, displays, cameras, or optical metrology.
- Ability to write scripts to automate optical simulations and data analysis (Python, Matlab, C#, C++, VB).
- Experience using AI coding agents (Claude Code, MCP servers, agent skills) along optical software (LightTools, CODE V, Zemax) to automate simulation and analysis work.
- Ability to verify AI-generated scripts and results against optics first-principles. Build and validate tools and workflows for use across the larger team.
- Experience with optical characterization equipment such as spectrophotometers and scatterometers.
- Understanding of LEDs and solid-state lighting.
- Familiarity with CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks.
- Ability to interface with cross-functional teams to support integration of illumination components into systems and assess feasibility of new optical concepts.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $225,300, 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.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
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.
At 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.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all 56+ Green Card Optical Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as an Optical Engineer
Document your optical specialization for PERM
PERM requires the employer to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available for your specific role. Gather detailed records of your specialization, laser systems, photonic integration, or precision metrology, so the job description accurately reflects duties only your background satisfies.
Use OFLC Wage Search before accepting an offer
PERM requires a prevailing wage determination tied to your specific SOC code and work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for Optical Engineers in your target metro before negotiating, so you know whether the offered salary meets DOL's minimum threshold.
Find green-card-sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers with verified green card sponsorship history for engineering roles. Targeting companies that have sponsored before shortens your research time and focuses your applications on employers already familiar with the PERM and I-140 process.
Distinguish EB-2 and EB-3 eligibility early
If your degree is a master's or higher in optical science, photonics, or a related field, you likely qualify under EB-2. A bachelor's degree alone typically routes you to EB-3. Clarifying this with your employer before PERM filing prevents misclassification that can delay your priority date.
Check your country's priority date before filing
EB-2 and EB-3 both have per-country annual limits. Nationals of high-demand countries can face significant backlogs before an immigrant visa number becomes available. Review the USCIS Visa Bulletin to understand where your country's priority date stands before committing to a sponsoring employer's timeline.
Understand AC21 portability before changing jobs
Once your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 portability lets you move to a new employer in the same or similar optical engineering occupation without losing your priority date. Confirm the new role's SOC code aligns with your original petition before resigning.
Green Card Optical Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
What green card categories cover Optical Engineer roles?
Most Optical Engineer positions qualify under EB-2 or EB-3. EB-2 applies if the role requires an advanced degree, typically a master's or higher in optical engineering, photonics, or a closely related discipline. EB-3 covers professionals with a bachelor's degree and skilled workers with at least two years of relevant experience. Your employer's immigration counsel will determine which category fits the specific job requirements before filing PERM.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for an Optical Engineer?
H-1B visa provides temporary work authorization, typically in three-year increments, and requires an LCA filed with DOL. Green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 leads to lawful permanent residence with no renewal requirement. The process involves PERM labor certification, an I-140 immigrant petition filed with USCIS, and either adjustment of status or consular processing. There is no lottery, but per-country annual limits mean nationals of high-demand countries may wait for a priority date to become current.
What does the PERM process look like for an Optical Engineer position?
The employer starts with a prevailing wage determination through DOL, then conducts a mandatory recruitment test, advertising the role to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available. If no suitable U.S. applicant is found, the employer files the PERM application with DOL. Once certified, the employer files an I-140 petition with USCIS. The job description must reflect duties specific enough to your optical specialization that the recruitment requirement is satisfied accurately.
How do I find employers who sponsor green cards for Optical Engineers?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified green card sponsorship history, searchable by role and location. Focusing on companies that have completed PERM and I-140 filings for engineering positions before reduces the risk of pursuing employers unfamiliar with the process. Defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, medical device companies, and national laboratories are common EB-2 and EB-3 sponsors for optical engineering talent.
Can I change employers after my green card process has started?
It depends on where you are in the process. Once your I-485 adjustment of status application has been pending for 180 days or more, AC21 portability lets you move to a new employer in the same or similar occupation without losing your place in the queue. Your original priority date can also carry over to a new employer's I-140 once the original I-140 was approved, but the new employer must start a fresh PERM and I-140 filing.