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Subject Matter Expert, PVD/Coatings - Chennai

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
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ChennaiFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Role focused on developing and implementing processes that create cosmetic and protective finishes for Apple’s enclosure designs, across multiple product lines, by investigating materials, leading supplier collaborations, and driving process improvements and qualification activities.

Responsibilities

  • Investigate new materials and manufacturing methods used to coat a variety of surfaces across multiple product lines.
  • Engage coating and equipment suppliers to lead investigations and identify improvements in manufacturing process and material selection.
  • Lead cosmetic and functional characterization activities to define specifications with Product Design team.
  • Lead development of coating control plans and work instructions at supplier locations.
  • Provide structured problem solving support, organize and prioritize investigations, and drive implementation; analyze failure root cause and implement closed-loop corrective actions to ensure timely closure of quality issues.
  • Understand reliability testing requirements and drive production to meet specifications.
  • Understand relationship between thin film stack design, material, coating processes and product performance. Leverage this understanding to troubleshoot production problems.
  • Conduct yield gap studies and develop/implement plans to close.
  • Optimize equipment and fixtures to drive process capability.
  • Work with cross functional team (MD, PD and ID) to develop measurement technologies feasibility and viability to mitigate commercial and ramp risk.
  • Proactively support identification / selection / qualification of new coatings and ink suppliers globally to enhance supply and technical capability of our supply chain.

Qualifications

  • Masters / PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent
  • 5+ year experience or training in thin film manufacturing or design. Experience in PVD, CVD or dry etching preferred
  • Verbal and written English proficiency
  • Experience or skill in optical simulation software (e.g., MacLeod, TFCalc) is desirable
  • Experience leading process development in a dynamic manufacturing environment
  • Experience in the selection, set-up, and validation of manufacturing equipment
  • Ability to program-manage across multiple projects, vendors and resources
  • Ability to present technical analysis of manufacturing capability to diverse cross-functional team
  • Strong background in materials characterization (e.g., SEM / TEM / EDX / FTIR / XPS) desirable
  • Materials development experience is a plus
  • Experience or knowledge in pre-treatment process, ink printing is a strong plus
  • Frequent domestic and some overseas travel expected
  • Experience in massive data analysis, coding and machine learning would be a plus

Skills

Required:PVD, CVD or dry etchingThin film characterizationReliability testing and qualificationCross-functional collaborationProgram management
Nice to have:Materials analysis tools (SEM, TEM, EDX, FTIR, XPS)Optical simulation software (MacLeod, TFCalc)
Last updated Jul 3, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

AirPods Max 2Apple ArcadeApple CardApple Fitness+Apple MusicApple TVApple TV+Apple Watch Series 11
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