Additive Prototype Fabricator

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple’s Applied Research and Characterization team seeks a hands-on maker to build prototypes for interdisciplinary research. You’ll fabricate high-quality parts and components across metals, plastics, and soft materials in a fast-paced, lab setting in Sunnyvale.

You will collaborate with researchers, designers, and engineers, translating concepts into physical form using 3D printing, CNC, lasers, and metrology, while pushing for rapid iteration and design clarity.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on fabrication across a broad range of equipment.
• Experience with metals, plastics, and flexible materials.
• Ability to model and modify complex 3D parts in CAD.
• Strong collaboration with researchers and engineers.
• Comfort with ambiguity in a research environment.
• Ability to validate dimensions with metrology.
• Experience with work ticketing systems such as Jira.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate prototypes across multiple hardware projects in a shared lab.
• Translate early-stage concepts into physical form across materials and fabrication methods.
• Collaborate with researchers, designers and engineers daily.
• Maintain speed and fidelity to intent over volume.

Skills

CAD modeling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Rapid prototyping

Metrology

Jira

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Design or equivalent

Tools

3D Printer (FDM / SLA)

CNC Router

Laser Cutter

Bench Tools

Metrology equipment

Jira

Job description

Shape the future of Apple’s hardware products! The Applied Research and Characterization team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, human factors, biomechanics, data analysis, statistics, software, and advanced fabrication. We deliver data-backed insights for design decisions across Apple's entire hardware portfolio, directly influencing products launched worldwide. You'll have access to cutting-edge equipment and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts across our global sites. Few teams offer this breadth of impact combined with world-class resources.We are looking for a hands-on maker with expertise in additive manufacturing, and proficiency in a variety of fabrication methods to join a small, high-impact advanced fabrication lab that builds prototypes for interdisciplinary applied research. If you are equally comfortable in the shop and at a whiteboard, and you thrive when a designer or researcher walks up and asks you to make something that has never been made before — we want to meet you.

Description

In this role, you will fabricate high-quality prototypes in support of applied research teams working across multiple hardware products. You will work closely and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers in a shared lab environment, translating early-stage concepts into physical form across a wide range of materials, scales, and fabrication methods. Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on speed, fidelity to intent, and creative problem-solving rather than volume or process standardization.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience across a broad range of fabrication equipment including 3D print (FDM / SLA), CNC router, laser cutters, and bench tools
• Experience working with a variety of materials including metals, plastics, and flexible or soft materials
• Ability to model and modify complex 3D parts in CAD and optimize for rapid
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate directly with interdisciplinary stakeholders
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities in a research environment
• Ability to validate dimensions and critical features using metrology
• Experience with work ticketing systems (such as Jira)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with additive processes: 3D printing (FDM / SLA), powder-based additive, injection molding
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings as well as informal sketches and verbal descriptions
• Proficient in complex assembly of prototypes
• Strong eye for design or visual aesthetics
• Interest in learning new fabrication methods
• Experience developing SOPs for assembly work
• Degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial design, or equivalent work experience