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Subject Matter Expert - PVD/Coatings

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
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Hybrid (Shenzhen)Full-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Role focused on developing and implementing cosmetic and protective finishes for Apple enclosure designs, leading materials/coatings investigations, supplier collaborations, and process optimization across multiple product lines.

Responsibilities

  • Participate on a team tasked with developing and implementing processes that create cosmetic and protective finishes for Apple’s world class enclosure designs.
  • 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

  • MS in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent.
  • 10+ years working experience, including 5+ years experience or training in thin film manufacturing or design.
  • Experience in one or more of following process technologies is must: PVD, CVD or dry etching.
  • Experience or skill in one of optical simulation software: macleod, TFCALC etc.
  • 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 abilities and background in materials characterization (understanding of analytical tools such as SEM / TEM / EDX / FTIR / XPS etc. desirable).
  • Verbal and written English proficiency.

Skills

Required:Thin film coating process developmentPVD/CVD processingMaterials characterizationSupplier management
Nice to have:Optical simulation software
Last updated Aug 14, 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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