Summary
Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.
The people here at Apple don't just create products they create the kind of wonder that's revolutionized entire industries. It's the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.
Apple products are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Inside every one of our products, are some of the world's most challenging consumer PCBA and Flex designs. Imagine yourself as a select member of the team that brings these assemblies from concept to high volume manufacturing.
Description
The Manufacturing Automation & DFM Engineer will be responsible for enabling robust, scalable, and data-driven SMT/PCBA manufacturing processes through automation, design for manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and factory operations to support NPI, equipment development, and high-volume manufacturing while meeting quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support DFM reviews, build readiness assessments, and manufacturing risk evaluations across NPI and sustaining programs
- Develop a deep understanding of SMT/SMA processes, factory operations, manufacturing metrics, and lean manufacturing principles
- Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to collect process data, conduct capability studies (Cp/Cpk), yield analysis, and DOE-based experiments
- Drive automation strategy, equipment evaluation, and machine DFM reviews, ensuring alignment with manufacturing and Apple quality standards
- Support equipment development, qualification, and ramp activities for SMT, assembly, and test automation systems
- Qualify and onboard new OEMs and vendors to strengthen supply chain capability and diversification
- Identify, evaluate, and document new materials, manufacturing processes, assembly technologies, and emerging automation solutions to improve operational efficiency
- Develop and maintain data analysis and visualization dashboards to support design, process optimization, and decision-making
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, FMEA, Fishbone, 5-Why, Kaizen) to failure analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work closely with factory teams to ensure adherence to process controls, equipment standards, and quality metrics during volume manufacturing
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
- 5+ years of hands-on industrial experience in SMT/PCBA manufacturing, automation, or high-volume electronics manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of SMT processes, equipment, and factory automation systems
- Solid fundamentals in mechanical design, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawings
- Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, molding, stamping, and casting
- Working knowledge of data analysis tools (Excel required; Python, Minitab, or JMP preferred)
- Travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites 60%
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with automation controls and software, including PLC logic, C#, and PC-based control systems
- Knowledge of robotics systems (6-axis and/or SCARA), pneumatics, servo motors, motion controllers, and industrial automation architectures
- Familiarity with factory KPIs such as yield, OEE, cycle time, and process capability
- Exposure to AI/ML applications in manufacturing, inspection, or process optimization is a plus
- Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and factory partners
