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Subject Matter Expert : Surface finishing

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

About the role

Role within Apple’s Manufacturing Design’s Subject Matter Expert team focused on creating and optimizing highly cosmetic surface finishes for production enclosures, collaborating with Industrial Design and Product Design, and overseeing processes from development to supplier on-site implementation.

Responsibilities

  • Create new highly cosmetic surface finishes and develop colors/textures in collaboration with Industrial Design and Product Design teams.
  • Match, pilot, and scale new cosmetic anodized finishes for production.
  • Utilize mechanical surface preparation (blasting, tumbling, polishing) and decorative anodizing techniques to meet targets.
  • Research new methods for surface finishes and tighten control of existing finishes.
  • Evaluate manufacturing processes early in product development to define critical process requirements and controls for tight output.
  • Plan and execute studies to confirm process capability for high quality and high yields on high volume enclosures.
  • Present analyses to decision makers for commercial, cosmetic, and design commitments.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities and address shortcomings relative to company needs.
  • Drive on-site support with USA counterparts for implementation of processes at supplier locations.
  • Build relationships with counterparts and suppliers to foster capability development.
  • Maintain knowledge of key process drivers to serve as technical resource on project teams; investigate and validate new processes, techniques, and equipment where appropriate.
  • Frequent domestic and some overseas travel.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in engineering (chemical engineering, chemistry or materials science) or equivalent industrial experience
  • Minimum 5 years experience in developing new cosmetic plated finishes
  • Experience utilizing combined mechanical finishing and anodizing to meet texture and color targets
  • Experience in metal-resin bonding technology
  • Ability to develop anodizing processes and equipment to meet cosmetic and functional reliability requirements
  • Ability to plan, execute, and present results from investigations using statistical analysis
  • Ability to drive root cause/corrective action activities
  • Experience with other chemical metal surface treatments for corrosion protection including conversion coating
  • Understanding of color theory and color, gloss, and texture measurement techniques
  • Minimum average, preferably superior color discrimination ability
  • Knowledge of cleaning and surfactants in pretreatment of aluminum (steel a plus) for cosmetic finishes
  • Experience working with an international supply chain
  • Ability to define clear process controls and documentation for a robust process
  • Experience developing cosmetic anodizing finishes
  • History of implementing new processes (possibly automation) in mass production
  • Expertise in establishing process controls that adhere to strict color specifications
  • Ability to use advanced analytical tools to characterize surface topography and material characteristics
  • Solid understanding of DOE principles and use of statistical software
  • Experience with FA and defect characterization in finishing preferred

Skills

Required:Cosmetic anodizingSurface finishing techniquesColor theory and color measurementStatistical analysis and DOERoot cause/corrective action

Benefits

  • Accessibility and inclusive workplace culture
  • Benefits aligned with Apple’s workplace programs (reference to accessibility in workplace)
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.

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