Apple

Apple

Posted via Apple Careers

Senior Mechanical Prototyper & Lead

Always Hiring

Posted Oct 24, 2026

Role at a glance

Salary
$175.5K – $311.7K/yr
Location
San Jose, California, United States
Experience
Senior Level 7+ years of Mechanical Engineering related industry experience
Education
Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

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Role Summary

AI-generated

This Senior Mechanical Prototyper and Lead role sits in the Product Design Engineering group working on new and future product concepts. The role assists with design, fabrication, assembly and disassembly, troubleshooting, and repair of prototype parts and assemblies, and manages and mentors a small team of mechanical prototypers.

What You'll Do

  • Design and fabrication of functional electro-mechanical prototypes of various sizes, materials and levels of complexity
  • Execute detailed mechanical and electrical assembly operations, accurately record and communicate progress and challenges
  • Maintain prototypes and perform failure analysis on electro-mechanical systems
  • Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems engineers to support project development work
  • Perform a mix of independent and collaborative work

Generated from the employer's posting. Verify important details before applying.

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Qualifications

Senior prototyping role requiring 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience, a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree or equivalent, and hands-on prototype fabrication skills.

Required

  • 7+ years of Mechanical Engineering related industry experience
  • 5+ years of relevant mechanical prototyping experience
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
  • Hands-on experience with shop tools, prototype fabrication techniques and equipment (3D printers, laser cutter, lathe, mill, etc.)
  • Familiar with a wide range of materials (plastics, foams, textiles, metals, composites, ceramics), their properties, and methods of...
  • Ability to understand and to develop hand sketches, CAD models, and technical drawings
  • Strong mechanical problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Team player with excellent verbal and written communication

Preferred

  • Experience root causing failures and implementing corrective actions
  • Familiarity with inspection and analysis equipment (microscopes, load cells, etc.)
  • Experience mentoring or managing others
  • Fluent in Unigraphics NX including surfacing tools, statistical software (JMP), MacOS
  • Experience designing mechanisms, actuated systems, and machines

Original job description

Content provided by the employer

Summary

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

The Product Design Engineering group working on new and future product concepts is looking for a Senior Mechanical Prototyper who will be responsible for assisting in the design, fabrication, and assembly/disassembly, troubleshooting and repair of prototype parts and assemblies as well as managing and mentoring a small team of mechanical prototypers.

Description

We are the hands-on technical team that carries the design of Apple Vision Products through the entire process, from early prototyping to mass production. By joining our team, you'll work side by side with your teammates inside Apple and at our partner facilities to define parts of a system in CAD, hand build physical electro-mechanical assemblies, and collaborate with vendors to produce parts and assemblies. You will support the fabrication, modification, and repair of prototype hardware that will indirectly and directly inform what we ship to customers.

• Design and fabrication of functional electro-mechanical prototypes of various sizes, materials and levels of complexity
• Execute detailed mechanical and electrical assembly operations, accurately record and communicate progress and challenges
• Maintain prototypes & perform failure analysis on electro-mechanical systems
• Work closely with a range of Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems engineers to support project development work
• Perform a mix of independent and collaborative work

Minimum Qualifications

7+ years of Mechanical Engineering related industry experience
5+ years of relevant mechanical prototyping experience
Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
Hands-on experience with shop tools, prototype fabrication techniques and equipment (3D printers, laser cutter, lathe, mill, etc.)
Familiar with a wide range of materials (plastics, foams, textiles, metals, composites, ceramics), their properties, and methods of processing them
Ability to understand and to develop hand sketches, CAD models, and technical drawings
Strong mechanical problem solving and troubleshooting skills
Team player with excellent verbal and written communication
Ability to predict timelines and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience root causing failures and implementing corrective actions
Familiarity with inspection and analysis equipment (microscopes, load cells, etc.)
Experience mentoring or managing others
Fluent in Unigraphics NX including surfacing tools, statistical software (JMP), MacOS
Experience designing mechanisms, actuated systems, and machines

Pay & Benefits — San Jose, 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 $175,500 and $311,700, 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.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Apple

About the company

Apple

Large Enterprise

Apple Inc. is a global technology company known for its innovative products and services, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and Apple Watch. Founded in 1976, Apple has continuously pushed the boundaries of design and functionality, earning a reputation for high-quality consumer electronics and software solutions like iOS and macOS. With a strong commitment to user experience and privacy, Apple also leads in digital services, offering platforms such as the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. The company's focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility further enhances its standing as a leader in the technology sector.