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Manufacturing Design Engineer

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
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ShenzhenFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) to lead development of manufacturing processes and equipment for precision brittle products (e.g., glass, ceramics, crystals). Roles may focus on custom equipment development or optical manufacturing/metrology, bridging product design and mass production to achieve high yield, performance, and quality.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture, design, and qualification of custom manufacturing equipment or end-to-end processes for brittle materials, including CNC machining, polishing, Ion Exchange (IOX), pad printing, and precision assembly.
  • Define and optimize manufacturing processes specifically for optical parts (for optics-focused candidates) and establish metrology strategies, test parameters, and yield criteria.
  • Act as the primary technical contact for external Equipment vendors (design, URS, FAT/SAT) and Contract Manufacturing (CM) vendors (factory bring-up, high-volume integration, continuous improvement).
  • Collaborate with Product Designers on Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
  • Work with Manufacturing Quality Engineers to establish robust quality control plans and inspection criteria.
  • Coordinate with Global Supply Managers on commercial strategies, equipment budgets, and vendor selection.
  • Use Design of Experiments (DOEs), failure analysis, and data-driven root cause analysis to resolve defects, improve yields, and stabilize processes.
  • Travel internationally to CM and vendor sites as required to support equipment bring-up and qualification.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing process engineering, custom equipment development, or optical manufacturing.
  • Deep knowledge of handling and processing brittle materials; expertise in at least one: (1) custom equipment design and process parameter optimization for CNC, polishing, IOX, pad printing, and assembly, or (2) manufacturing processes for optical parts, including optical metrology and performance quantification.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing external equipment suppliers and CM partners.
  • Excellent communication skills to collaborate with PDs, MQEs, and GSMs.
  • Higher education (Master or Ph.D.) highly preferred.
  • Experience scaling early-stage technologies into high-volume consumer electronics mass production is preferred.
  • Ability to travel internationally to CM and vendor sites as required.

Skills

Required:Design for Manufacturability (DFM)External vendor managementMetrology and optical performance quantification

Benefits

  • Equal opportunity employer with commitment to inclusion and diversity.
  • Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities.
  • Accessibility initiatives and tools in the workplace.
Last updated Sep 18, 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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