Apple is recruiting 3D printing engineers in Shenzhen to develop advanced manufacturing processes for its global supply chain.
On October 30, Apple's official website posted a new job opening for an Additive Manufacturing Subject Matter Expert.
This position is also described as a Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) at Apple, responsible for leading the development and implementation of high-precision mechanical manufacturing processes within Apple's global supply chain. The role involves direct and frequent communication and collaboration with Apple's Industrial Design, Product Design, and Manufacturing Design teams, as well as with global suppliers. MDEs are granted significant autonomy and are expected to bring creativity to Apple's manufacturing methods, enabling Apple to deliver the best possible products to as many customers as possible.
Job Description
Responsible for leading the creation, evaluation, and implementation of end-to-end manufacturing solutions for key design features of Apple products.
Ensure manufacturing solutions meet targets for product quality, cost, yield, capacity, schedule, and environmental goals.
Evaluate product and design goals to understand dimensional, cosmetic, and functional priorities.
Collaborate with Global Supply Managers and Apple suppliers to define clear manufacturing development strategies, objectives, expectations, and schedules.
Identify and validate suitable manufacturing equipment and processes that meet all of Apple's design and operational requirements.
Develop and document process flows, including all parameters, consumables, and secondary processing requirements, to meet established specifications.
Utilize data-driven and hands-on approaches to conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization, finding solutions to complex challenges.
Communicate ongoing process development status to functional teams and lead discussions to align design requirements with manufacturing capabilities.
Provide leadership at global manufacturing sites during development and mass production ramp-up, involving international travel to identify root causes of unresolved issues and drive corrective actions for timely resolution.
Collaborate with internal partners and equipment suppliers to develop and improve metal additive manufacturing processes and equipment.
Optimize additive manufacturing processes to meet Apple's requirements for cosmetics, dimensional quality, reliability, and production volume. Develop methods for modeling and characterizing key performance indicators for additive manufacturing.
Apply knowledge of 3D printing systems and powder metallurgy to support product design teams in developing metal alloys for additive manufacturing.
Provide expert-level support to project teams utilizing metal additive manufacturing technologies, assisting them in translating designs from concept to mass production.
Develop best-in-class validation plans and procedures, utilizing methods like Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) to validate additive manufacturing equipment and materials.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a technical role related to metal additive manufacturing.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Higher degrees are also acceptable.
Preferred Qualifications
First-hand experience with laser powder bed fusion process development, including the use of material characterization tools to aid process design experiments.
Knowledge of secondary processing techniques, including powder handling and recycling, automation, heat treatment, and stress relief processes.
Hands-on approach to engineering design and problem-solving.
Demonstrated accountability and resilience; ability to proactively learn, adapt quickly, and find new solutions in the face of challenges.
Proficiency in using project management tools to effectively plan and track work to completion; diligent and reliable, capable of completing tasks independently.
Workshop or hands-on experience, whether through hobbies or professional settings.
Experience working on components or products with high cosmetic requirements is preferred.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally (more than 25%), with destinations including China, Vietnam, Germany, India, and the USA.
