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The people here at Apple don’t just create products - they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.
The Apple Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) is accountable for leading the development and implementation of high precision mechanical manufacturing processes across Apple’s worldwide supply base. In this highly visible hands-on role, you will have direct frequent communication and collaboration with Apple Industrial Design, Product Design, and Manufacturing Design partners, as well as our worldwide suppliers. The MDE role is empowered and expected to bring creativity to Apple’s manufacturing approach, enabling us to deliver our best work to as many customers as possible.
Description You will be a part of collaborative environment contributing to the creation, evaluation, and implementation of end-to-end manufacturing solutions for Apple's hardware enclosures. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders in Quality Engineering, Global Supply Management, Product Design, and Industrial Design in order to ensure our manufacturing solutions meet our product quality, cost, yield, capacity, schedule, and environmental goals.
You will be expected to:
- Evaluate product and industrial design goals to understand the dimensional, cosmetic, and functional priorities for the product
- Collaborate with Global Supply Managers and Apple’s manufacturing suppliers to align on a manufacturing development strategy with clear goals, deliverables, and schedules
- Identify and validate suitable fabrication equipment and processes to meet all Apple design and operational requirements
- Develop and document processes including all parameters, consumables and secondary operation requirements to meet defined specifications
- Conduct process optimization DOE’s, using data-driven and hands-on approaches together to find solutions to complex challenges
- Communicate ongoing process development status to cross-functional teams and lead discussions to align design requirements with manufacturing capability
- Willingness to travel internationally to support manufacturing partner sites and collaborate with in-region team members
- Familiarity with a phase gate product development approach
You may be asked to lead development in one or more of the following areas:
CNC machining - Develop all CNC milling and turning processes. Scope appropriate CNC equipment to be used, develop CNC fixtures, implement touch probing, lead the reduction of cycle time, development of advanced cutters and coatings, High Speed Machining implementation, support the programming and optimization of all CNC-related activities at contract manufacturers worldwide. Own yield improvement actions and process change decisions based on statistical process control (SPC) data analysis.
Surface Finishing – Develop new processes in the area of blasting, tumbling, polishing, wet sanding, lapping, plating, anodizing, and PVD in response to cosmetic, functional, and reliability targets. Ensure that quality and yield requirements are met.
Glass Processing - Develop all processes for glass scribe/break, grinding, lapping, polishing, chemical strengthening, decoration and functional coatings (including inks and other thin film deposition techniques). Ensure that quality and yield requirements are met.
Assembly - Develop all assembly processes, incorporating welding, gluing/ adhesives, and mechanical-fit based processes. Lead qualification of equipment at suppliers, including detailed documentation of process parameters. Own yield improvement actions and process change decisions based on statistical process control (SPC) data analysis. Identify automation opportunities and justify automation projects based on automation line efficiency metrics.
Painting - Develop all paint processes to achieve cosmetic and surface durability requirements. Scope and specify paint equipment, environmental clean room requirements, evaluate and select most appropriate paints and painting parameters to ensure quality and yield requirements are met.
Minimum Qualifications 7+ years of experience in mechanical product development, manufacturing engineering, tooling engineering, high precision fabrication, or similar roles BS or higher in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or related fields Ability to travel 25%+ is required
Preferred Qualifications Relevant experience in mechanical product development, manufacturing engineering, tooling engineering, high precision fabrication, or similar roles Understanding core principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Hands-on approach to engineering and problem-solving A quick learner who approaches problems flexibly and proactively identifies solutions in the face of challenges Strong ability to influence using clear and concise communication skills to make data driven manufacturing decisions Applies innovative approach to problem solving by leveraging past experiences A passion for manufacturing and engineering excellence. Unwillingness to compromise on quality and customer satisfaction
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 $163,500 and $246,200, 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.
EEO Statement 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
Accessibility 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.
Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace
Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants
Application Deadline Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
