Job Details

Polymer Chemist

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: May 20, 2025

Role Number: 200605704

The Vision Display Group (VDG) team designs and develops innovative display technologies to support Apple’s phenomenal product line! This includes total development, optimization, and integration of display material, optics, and process to deliver superior optical, mechanical, and reliability performances. The team features a collaborative and hands-on environment that fosters engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation. As part of Apple design and development team you will be working with some of the most talented people in the field, and will be contributing to exciting new products that will touch lives of millions and enrich your career with invaluable experience!

We are looking for a polymer chemist with a strong background on material development, integration, and manufacturing. The incumbent needs to have hands-on experience on photo-and/or thermal-curable chemistry to develop new optical materials with desired performances through iterations of formulation design of experiments (DOE), and material characterization. In addition, the ideal candidate should have lab-to-market experience including, but not limited to, formulation QC, process development, scale-up and manufacturing. Lastly, this candidate must work well in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment, communicates complex concepts clearly, must be a team player with a can-do attitude and a strong sense of urgency.

Description

• Design and develop new polymer materials for next-generation vision products.

• Conduct formulation DOE to optimize the optical, mechanical, reliability properties of the new materials.

• Develop the process for the new materials to meet the product requirements.

• Develop and validate Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) metrics and quantitative analytical methods from raw material selection to formulation to final component fabrication to ensure all aspects of new product launch initiative are managed and controlled.

• Correlate materials-level analytical data to final component/system performances to define materials-level and in-process specifications.

• Work with cross-functional team to validate the performance.

• Lead efforts in failure analysis of both materials and component level issues and develop/validate effective solutions.

• Drive toll manufacturing vendor scouting, qualification, technology transfer, and capability development for formulation scale-up and manufacturing.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters or Ph.D. degree in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Material, Polymer Engineering or related and 3+ years experience in related field.

• Experience with UV and/or thermal curable resin formulations.

• Experience with optical materials, i.e, films, coatings, adhesives, lens, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.

• Experience with internal and external cross-functional team work and vendor engagement.

• Proven track record of new technology development and tech-transfer.

• Experience and knowledge in product development and ultimate translation to manufacturing.

• In-depth understanding of structure-process-property relationships of components and polymer products.

• Experience in fundamental failure analysis methodology to derive a root cause of failure

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Solid teamwork and leadership skills.

• Willingness and ability to travel.

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 $157,800 and $280,800, 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.