Haptics Product Design Engineer

Summary

The Haptic Engineering team develops innovative haptic solutions that are central to Apple’s products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch! Our key goal is to enable the world’s best user-experience and explore the possibilities using haptics. We are a highly multi-functional team working in a hands-on environment that values creativity, engineering excellence, and passion for innovation. New challenges arise every single day that require the sharp analytical skills of versatile and forward-thinking individuals. We are seeking a Product Design / Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, and validate next-generation haptic actuators and experiences. Imagine what you could do at Apple! Are you ready to help us deliver the next groundbreaking Apple products?

Description

You will have end-to-end responsibility for the mechanical design and integration of a haptic actuator from concept to production, with a path to owning the magnetic design and actuator architecture as you grow in the role. You will be expected to work with a variety of cross functional teams and vendors to accomplish this.

Responsibilities

Design and define mechanical components and assembly schemes
Brainstorm concepts and solutions to haptic related challenges
Prototype, evaluate, and debug innovative ideas
Contribute to haptic engine architecture from magnetic first principles, including magnetic circuit, flux path, and force-profile design
Characterize magnetic materials and magnets: BH-loop and flux measurement, thermal demagnetization, and loss benchmarked against design targets
Analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify fundamental device performance through simulation and experiments
Define actuator performance targets jointly with perception scientists
Validate and characterize designs through multiple iterations
Participate in the development of new manufacturing and assembly processes with external vendors
Conduct failure analysis and design of experiments (DOEs) to resolve root cause and implement corrective actions
Generate new intellectual property
Collaborate with Industrial Design and system engineering groups to determine and achieve both functional and aesthetic goals
Design for manufacturability with Process, Manufacturing Design, Technical Operations, and other cross-functional teams
Lead design reviews and design documentation releases
Periodic international travel based on project needs (< 10%)

Minimum Qualifications

BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
Experience with 3D CAD
Strong fundamentals in mechanics and magnetism
Working expertise of magnetic measurement and characterization, grade selection, and thermal demagnetization
Skilled at problem-solving, using tools like the scientific method, root cause analysis, and DOE creation (Design of Experiments)
Proficient with mechanical or electromagnetic FEA tools
Applied knowledge of electrical circuits, material science, and basic chemistry
Team oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

BS and the equivalent of a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience; or MS and the equivalent of 5 years relevant industry experience; or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Materials Science with a concentration in magnetics, electromagnetics, transducers, or mechatronics
Project experience in consumer electronics products design
Design and/or research experience with haptic technologies
Experience designing to perceptual or psychophysical targets
Experience in the design and application of electromagnets and actuators
Expert knowledge of electro-mechanics and dynamics
Fluency with ML- and optimization-driven design exploration
Proficiency with data analysis tools (JMP, MATLAB, Mathematica, Excel, etc)
High volume mass production experience (DFM)
Experience with 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis

Pay & Benefits — San Diego Metro 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 $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.