Mechanical Architecture – FEA

Summary

At Apple, great products begin with a deep understanding of the underlying physics. Our team is looking for a Mechanical Architecture Engineer to develop predictive mechanical models that enable next-generation sensing solutions. In this role, you will combine first-principles engineering, analytical modeling, rigid-body dynamics, and finite element analysis (FEA) to guide product architecture from concept through mass production. Your work will directly influence product performance, reliability, and engineering decisions across Apple's hardware products.

Description

As a Mechanical Architecture Engineer, you will develop and apply predictive analytical and computational models to understand the mechanical behavior of advanced sensing technologies and systems. You will determine the appropriate modeling approach, from closed-form analytical models and rigid-body dynamics to high-fidelity finite element simulations, to solve complex engineering challenges across multiple levels of fidelity.
Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will influence architecture decisions, evaluate design tradeoffs, optimize product performance, and improve robustness before hardware is built. You will validate models through experimentation, investigate complex mechanical issues using first-principles engineering and simulation, and continuously advance modeling methodologies that enable innovative sensing technologies.

Responsibilities

Develop analytical, finite element, and system models for sensing technologies and mechanical systems.
Perform structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, modal, harmonic, and nonlinear simulations to guide design decisions.
Develop and calibrate material models using experimental characterization data.
Validate models through testing and improve predictive accuracy.
Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and integration.
Develop simulation workflows, automation, and methodologies to improve engineering efficiency.
Communicate technical insights and recommendations to engineering teams and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
Strong knowledge of solid mechanics, dynamics, vibrations, materials, and heat transfer.
Experience with analytical modeling, finite element analysis, and experimental validation.
Proficiency with Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent tools.
Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

M.S or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Experience with MEMS (highly preferred), multiphysics, system modeling, multibody dynamics, or reduced-order modeling.
Experience with nonlinear materials, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
Experience with DOE, optimization, uncertainty quantification, or statistical analysis.
Experience with simulation automation, surrogate models, or ML-based simulation acceleration.
Experience with ANSA, META, HyperMesh, or similar tools.

Pay & Benefits — San Diego, California, United States

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Pay & Benefits — San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.