Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) - Microphone Tech Ops

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States

• Category: Manufacturing Engineering

Description

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Join Apple's Worldwide Operations team as a Manufacturing Design Engineer, where you'll pioneer the development and production of industry-leading MEMS microphone modules that power the world's most iconic products. In this high-impact role, you'll bridge innovation and manufacturing excellence, working at the intersection of cutting-edge acoustic technology and world-class operations.

As the technical leader for microphone module manufacturing, you'll partner with global suppliers, cross-functional engineering teams, and product development to transform breakthrough designs into flawlessly manufactured products at scale.

Description

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Process Development & Innovation

Design for Manufacturing Excellence: Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to architect comprehensive manufacturing blueprints, including process flows, equipment specifications, validation protocols, and implementation roadmaps

Data-Driven Optimization: Deploy Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Six Sigma methodologies to proactively identify risks, optimize process parameters, and achieve industry-leading yields

Continuous Improvement Engine: Establish robust failure analysis frameworks for customer returns and production fallout, translating insights into actionable process improvements and preventive measures

Technical Innovation: Drive process innovation initiatives that push the boundaries of MEMS microphone manufacturing capabilities

Program Leadership & Execution

NPI Technical Leadership: Serve as the operational technical authority, communicating project readiness, identifying critical path risks, and driving resolution across all New Product Introduction phases

Cross-Functional Coordination: Lead multi-disciplinary teams across Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless operational readiness from prototype through high-volume production

Issue Resolution: Own technical and operational challenges related to materials, processes, and equipment during NPI, ensuring mature, production-ready processes at launch

Strategic Supplier Development

Supplier Qualification: Evaluate and qualify manufacturing partners using rigorous assessments of production capability, quality management systems, and technical competency

Technical Partnership: Provide strategic technical direction to suppliers, establishing and validating process capabilities using statistical process control (SPC) to meet Apple's exacting standards

Capability Building: Mentor supplier engineering teams on Apple methodologies, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices

Minimum Qualifications

BS/MS in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Science, or related field)

5-7+ years in development or manufacturing of consumer electronics products/components

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and statistical methods

Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder technical programs in global matrix organizations

Self-directed problem-solver who thrives with minimal supervision and drives results through influence

Flexibility for off-hours communication with global teams across time zones

International travel 20-30%

Preferred Qualifications

Semiconductor Assembly Experience: Hands-on experience with die attach, wire bonding, flip chip, SMT, or other advanced packaging technologies

Supplier Network: Established relationships with the Global electronics manufacturing ecosystem

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $157,200 and $236,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

Company

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Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.