← All roles

Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE), Brittles

Apple· Operations and Supply Chain
Apply on company site
Cupertino, CA, Austin, TX, Sunnyvale, CA$133.5k - $246.2kfull-timePosted 1w ago

About the role

The Apple Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) drives development of key mechanical manufacturing processes across Apple’s worldwide supply base. This hands-on, technical role acts as the expert on the Manufacturing Design Team, collaborating with Industrial Design, Product Design, Manufacturing Design partners, and global suppliers to deliver end-to-end manufacturing and process solutions for key design features.

Responsibilities

  • Define best-in-class processes to meet all Apple design and operational requirements
  • Develop and document processes including all parameters, consumables and secondary operation requirements to meet defined specifications
  • Work with Global Supply Managers to define and establish supply chain requirements utilizing selected equipment and manufacturing suppliers
  • Provide leadership at manufacturing sites during development and product production ramp, and drive engineering issues to resolution
  • Use data to drive process decisions, basic data analysis, DOEs, SPC, etc.
  • Identify, research, develop, and qualify premier equipment manufacturers and suppliers
  • Define part tolerance and specifications by demonstrating process capability to Product Designers and Industrial Designers
  • CNC machining - Develop all CNC milling and turning processes; scope appropriate CNC equipment, develop CNC fixtures, implement touch probing, reduce cycle time, develop advanced cutters/coatings, High Speed Machining, support programming/optimization at contract manufacturers; own yield improvement and SPC-driven change decisions
  • Surface Finishing - Develop processes in blasting, tumbling, polishing, wet sanding, lapping, anodizing, and PVD; ensure quality and yield
  • Glass Processing - Develop processes for glass scribe/break, grinding, lapping, polishing, chemical strengthening, decoration and functional coatings; ensure quality and yield
  • Assembly - Develop all assembly processes including welding, gluing/adhesives, and mechanical fit; support qualification of equipment at suppliers; own yield improvement actions and SPC-driven changes; identify automation opportunities and justify automation projects
  • Painting - Develop all paint processes to meet cosmetic and surface durability requirements; scope/select paint equipment, environmental clean room requirements, select paints and painting parameters to ensure quality and yield

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of full-time mechanical manufacturing experience
  • BS, MS or PhD in mechanical, manufacturing or industrial engineering
  • 25% domestic and international travel required
  • Demonstrate hands-on mechanical ability
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal interpersonal skills
  • Experience with highly cosmetic parts a plus; experience in manufacturing environment of consumer electronics or consumer plastic / sheet metal products
  • Self-starter who can define engineering tasks to meet project objectives and quickly learn new processes with minimal information provided

Skills

Required:Hands-on mechanical abilityData-driven decision makingCNC machiningSurface FinishingGlass ProcessingAssembly processesPainting processesCommunication

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • retirement benefits
  • discounted products and free services
  • educational expense reimbursement (tuition)
  • discretionary bonuses or commission potential and relocation assistance
  • Apple shareholder opportunities via stock programs
Last updated Oct 16, 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
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Apple