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Manufacturing Optimization Engineer

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
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ChennaiFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Manufacturing Optimization Engineers (MOEs) own the continuous improvement strategy and operational excellence initiatives at Apple’s contract manufacturing partner factories in India, driving safety, quality, productivity and cost improvements through lean transformation and best-in-class manufacturing practices. They collaborate cross-functionally with supplier operations, quality, industrial engineering, Product Design, and Manufacturing Design teams to implement and sustain manufacturing processes, workflows, materials and technologies across Apple’s supply base in India.

Responsibilities

  • Target Setting & Planning - collaborate cross-functionally to assess the current state of the plant’s operations and assist in continuous improvement target setting, develop future state vision and implementation plans to drive operational excellence across CM partner factories in India.
  • Project Implementation - work as a site DRI to implement and monitor continuous improvement projects at CM factories. Facilitate cross-functional expert teams to drive breakthrough or best-in-class performance in equipment, people, quality, material flow, and cost.
  • Project Tracking & Reporting - use standard tracking and reporting systems to drive project performance and ensure timely completion of process, quality and cost-saving goals. Prepare and present status reports, key issues, and mitigation plans to Apple leadership teams.
  • Sustaining Improvement - perform analysis on equipment and workforce utilization, line balancing, WIP levels, and shop floor management for maximum efficiency and operational excellence. Lead sustainability index improvement projects to conserve natural resources and reduce operational waste.
  • Strategic Program - form a Lean strategy for selected major vendors and lead programs of benchmarking and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to drive systemic improvement across projects and vendors. Study critical areas impacting productivity and yield such as man-machine coordination, robot efficiency, and container design.
  • Supplier Coordination - act as liaison between supplier and internal Apple departments, identifying barriers to project success and soliciting support from cross-functional champions when needed. Manage identification, development, and engagement of existing and new/developing supplier partners.
  • Best Practice Sharing - coordinate multiple improvement projects simultaneously, identify and drive implementation of model Lean lines/cells, and extend learnings to other suppliers and factories across the network.
  • Digital Manufacturing - build and evaluate discrete-event simulation models. Design factory layouts using CAD/CAM and 3D factory modeling tools. Develop plant control systems. Perform ergonomic studies and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or above in Industrial, Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • 5+ years of manufacturing or engineering experience
  • Familiarity with Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and methodologies
  • Familiarity with time study methodologies such as MOST, MTM and MODAPTS
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally & domestically up to 50%
  • Experience in Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
  • Knowledge of AI/ML applications in manufacturing environments
  • Experience with Design for Assembly (DFA) / Design for Manufacturing (DFM) methodologies
  • Experience with discrete-event simulation tools such as FlexSim or Plant Simulation
  • Experience with ergonomic simulation tools such as Siemens Jack / Process Simulate Human
  • Proficiency in factory layout tools such as Factory CAD, Autodesk Factory Design Suite, or VisMockup
  • Strong project management skills with ability to drive multiple concurrent initiatives
  • Strong cross-functional stakeholder management skills
  • Hands-on experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing practices/techniques involving CNC machined parts, sheet metal, enclosures, jigs, tooling, fixtures, injection molding, vacuum forming, plastic parts, ceramics, or similar
  • Experience working with OEMs and Contract Manufacturers
  • Strong communication skills; fluent in English (Mandarin proficiency is a plus for cross-regional collaboration)

Skills

Required:Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologiesLean Six SigmaDiscrete-event simulationFactory layout tools
Nice to have:Value Stream Mapping (VSM)Ergonomic simulation
Last updated Jul 17, 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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