Additive Prototype Fabricator

Apple Inc.; Sunnyvale, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Sunnyvale seeks a Prototype Fabricator to advance applied research across hardware products. You will fabricate high-quality prototypes, translate concepts into physical form, and work closely with researchers, designers, and engineers in a shared lab environment.

The role emphasizes speed and fidelity over volume, focusing on iterative exploration and robust craftsmanship. The position requires hands-on experience with 3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, and a variety of

Qualifications

• Experience with a broad range of fabrication equipment including 3D print, CNC router, laser cutters, and bench tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering intent and translate concepts into prototypes.
• Experience working with metals, plastics, and flexible materials in a research setting.
• Demonstrated collaboration with researchers, designers, and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate research tools, prototypes, and fixtures across multiple methods.
• Prepare materials, set up and operate fabrication equipment, and inspect finished components.
• Collaborate with researchers, designers, and engineers to translate concepts into prototypes.
• Select materials, processes, and tolerances based on intent.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment to high safety and quality standards.
• Support lab operations, tooling, consumables, and equipment readiness.

Skills

CAD modeling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Ambiguity tolerance

Metrology

Rapid prototyping mindset

Education

Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate research tools, prototypes, and fixtures across a broad range of methods
• Prepare materials, set up, and operate fabrication equipment, and conduct checks on finished components
• Work directly and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers to interpret concepts and translate them into physical prototypes
• Select appropriate materials, processes, and tolerances based on intent rather than fixed specifications
• Operate and maintain lab equipment to high safety and quality standards.
• Support lab operations, including tooling, consumables, and equipment readiness

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 prototyping
• 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
• Interest in learning new fabrication methods
• Experience developing SOPs for assembly work
• Degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial design, or equivalent work experience

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 $51.19 and $89.84/hr, 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

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

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.