Additive Prototype Fabricator — Rapid Hardware Prototyping

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

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.