Job Details

Surface Science Subject Matter Expert

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: May 16, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200604549

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, great ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion, scientific approach and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish.

As a part of the Manufacturing Design Subject Matter Expert (SME) group, you will define, develop and scale for mass production, best-in-class surface treatments that aid in delivering world class coatings.

Description

•Process & Equipment ownership for wet cleaning.
oDefine and develop MP feasible cleaning cycles for an array of substrates and geometries. Conduct DOEs to optimize process variables to meet product specifications/targets for subsequent decorative coatings
oCollaborate with best-in-class equipment and consumables vendors to develop specifications and implement custom MP feasible solutions to achieve aggressive targets for yield and cost.
oDelve into wet chemistry to down-select and qualify appropriate cleaners
oLock and qualify MP feasible process that achieves yield and cost targets for mass production on a fast-paced timeline.
oCollaborate with quality engineering to align on IQC/OQC specs for cleaning process.
•Problem Solving.
oCollaborate with Apple Product design and Manufacturing Design to assess risks of cleaning chemistry to product cosmetics or reliability
oConduct extensive failure analysis and surface characterization to root-cause technical issues and/or define surface level specifications.
oDesign and execute DOEs to mitigate engineering build issues. Work with key cross-functional stakeholders to qualify process changes.
•Supplier Management
oCollaborate with overseas counterpart to bring up equipment/process at supplier sites
oCollaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to qualify MP process through engineering builds
oWork with contract manufacturers to deliver detailed process control plans and ensure they are followed through pilot to mass production stages.
•Collect, analyze, and present data to key decision makers to help drive design and commercial decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS degree (with 3+ yrs experience) or BS degree (with 5+ yrs experience) in Chemical engineering, Chemistry or Material Science preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in wet cleaning or in chemical surface treatment development eg. Pre-treatment for electroplating, anodizing or coatings. Expertise in chemistry is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience in defining, implementing & qualifying new processes in an international supply chain.

• Ability to independently manage a program to a fast-paced schedule from development into mass production in a matrixed organization.

• Strong communication skills. Experience with technical presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid working knowledge of equipment, fixturing, process control and automation

• Demonstrated experience or working knowledge in advanced analytical techniques (such as XRF, SEM, EDS, FTIR, TEM, ICP, GCMS & XPS) to characterize contaminants, coatings or troubleshoot failure modes

• Demonstrated experience with data analysis, design of experiments and presenting data.

• Self-starter with an exceptional drive to delivering high quality results in a fast-paced environment. Team player.

Pay & Benefits

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 $122,300 and $184,600, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.