Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Summary

The Instrumentation PD group at Apple designs and develops the test equipment and fixtures that ensure Apple's most iconic products meet the highest quality standards. We're looking for a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to contribute to the development of novel automated calibration and metrology systems - from early concept through global manufacturing deployment. If you're a creative problem-solver who thrives at the intersection of complex physics, precision engineering, and real-world manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

Description

The Instrumentation PD team sits at the heart of Apple's global manufacturing operations, owning the test equipment and fixtures used to validate product technologies including cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and display. In this role, you'll contribute to the full lifecycle of automated metrology systems — working alongside senior engineers, product designers, operations, software teams, and global system integrators. You'll grow your technical depth across multiple engineering domains while directly influencing the quality of products used by hundreds of millions of people.

Responsibilities

Design and develop automated calibration and metrology systems from concept through mass production validation
Engage with product design teams early to translate complex physics problems into clear, testable requirements across cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and display technologies
Assess equipment performance by interpreting test data and iterating designs to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability
Collaborate with cross-functional teams — operations, software, and product design — to balance diverse design objectives using data-backed ROI analyses
Work directly with manufacturing partners and system integrators to support technical quality and vendor development
Support resolution of technical deliverables in ambiguous environments with competing priorities and schedules
Support factory bring-up activities, including travel to manufacturing sites to debug live production issues and drive corrective actions
Communicate complex technical work clearly across all levels — from vendor teams to Director-level stakeholders
Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and best practices

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent
1+ years of experience in mechanical design with a focus on complex electromechanical systems
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals including mechanism design, material selection, tolerance analysis (GD&T), and DFMEA
Hands-on failure analysis experience — able to identify root cause and drive design improvements
Experience working with vendors or contract manufacturers in a product development and manufacturing environment
Ability to work cross-functionally across operations, software, and product design teams
Ability to travel internationally up to 25% to support station validation and factory integration

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering field
Experience with mass-produced electronics manufacturing equipment — structures, sheet metal, plastics, robotics, or automation
Opto-mechanical or camera module design experience
Proficiency with UG NX or equivalent CAD platform
Experience with FEA stress analysis (ANSYS preferred)
Familiarity with Apple's NPI process and manufacturing environments
Experience developing or managing vendor ecosystems, particularly with global system integrators
Experience in project or program management
Written and verbal Mandarin language skills

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, 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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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.