Manufacturing Design Engineer

Summary
Posted:
Sep 02, 2026
Role Number:
200681406-3541
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas 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. The people here at Apple don't just build products — they craft the kind of wonder that's revolutionized entire industries. It's the diversity of those people and their ideas that encourages the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts.

The Apple Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) is accountable for leading the development and implementation of innovative manufacturing processes across Apple's worldwide supply base. In this highly collaborative role, you will work closely with Apple Industrial Design, Product Design, and Manufacturing Design partners and our worldwide suppliers. The MDE role is empowered to bring creativity to Apple's manufacturing approach, enabling us to deliver our best work to as many customers as possible.

Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it!
Description
In this highly visible role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Apple products and leave a footprint for years to come. We have an opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing design engineer to lead development and ramp for next-generation Apple products.

Our Manufacturing Design Engineering team enables the mass creation of impossible products as a partner in the development of Apple's renowned designs.

You will be part of a collaborative environment contributing to the creation, evaluation, and implementation of end-to-end manufacturing solutions for Apple products. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders in Quality Engineering, Global Supply Management, Product Design, and Industrial Design to ensure our manufacturing solutions meet our product quality, cost, yield, capacity, schedule, and environmental goals.
Responsibilities
Partner with multi-functional teams to evaluate design and processes at the concept phase
Evaluate product and industrial design goals to understand the dimensional, cosmetic, and functional priorities for the product
Develop manufacturing technologies, control strategies, and manufacturing methods that achieve ambitious specifications at massive production scale
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
Compile and evaluate data to determine appropriate limits and variables for process and part specifications
Work with internal and external groups to ensure proper definition of process expectations and that appropriate fixturing techniques are used for the product
Coordinate all Manufacturing Design Engineering functions for a program, serving as project manager to lead efforts at supplier locations
Conduct process optimization DOEs, combining data-driven and hands-on approaches, to solve complex challenges
Evaluate and communicate yields of new and existing processes
Drive corrective actions multi-functionally with internal and external team members
Communicate ongoing process development status to cross-functional teams and lead discussions to align design requirements with manufacturing capability
Willingness to travel to support manufacturing partner sites and collaborate with in-region team members
Familiarity with a phase-gate product development approach
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years of experience in high-volume mechanical product development, manufacturing engineering, tooling engineering, high-precision fabrication, or similar roles
Hands-on experience in one or more manufacturing process areas such as machining, surface finishing, precision assembly, or precision fabrication
Understanding of HAF/PSA adhesive properties and lamination
Understanding of core principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Understanding of core principles of fixture design, including the use of design software and FEA for stress/structural analysis
Understanding of core principles of Data Analysis and Design of Experiments (DOE)
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Systems, Chemical Engineering, or related field)
Experience developing process DFMs, and driving corrective actions and failure analysis efforts
Working knowledge in the development and evaluation of tooling
Willingness and ability to travel domestically up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with glass manufacturing processes, particularly within the consumer electronics industry, is strongly preferred
Preferred process experience in laser, CNC, lapping, polishing, chemical etching, glass forming, and Ion Exchange (IOX), gained within the glass or semiconductor industry
Working knowledge of mechanical quality and reliability concepts, supplier management, and general manufacturing operations
Project management experience and understanding of problem-solving tools including design of experiments, root cause analysis, and statistical analytical tools
Experience in cosmetic parts manufacturing and process control
Deep understanding of GD&T and stack-up analysis
Hands-on approach to engineering and problem-solving
A quick learner who approaches problems flexibly and proactively identifies solutions in the face of challenges
Applies an innovative approach to problem-solving by leveraging past experiences
Strong ability to influence using clear and concise communication to drive data-driven manufacturing decisions
A passion for manufacturing and engineering excellence, with no compromise on quality and customer satisfaction
Experience working with OEMs and Contract Manufacturers in the Consumer Electronics Industry is a plus
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.
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