Engineering Program Manager, AppleCare Hardware Testing & Operations

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking an Engineering Program Manager to lead end-to-end strategy and operations for EFFA and NPI Hardware Testing Labs. You will drive hardware testing expansion, AI/ML data collection, and diagnostics development while coordinating across engineering, product, and operations teams.

You will guide test station bring-up, equipment qualification, and supplier engagement, shaping the roadmap and budgeting for the lab’s readiness and growth.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Over 7 years of diverse industry experience in project/program management, new product development, supply chain, operations, or engineering.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to cross-functional teams and leaders.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Self-motivated with a collaborative spirit to build strong relationships with other engineering teams and follow up on technical issues.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end strategy for EFFA HW Testing Lab readiness and NPI Early Engagement activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive hardware testing, AI/ML data collection, diagnostics development, and repair initiatives.
• Lead discussions to define test station bring-up, qualification requirements, and FA needs.
• Develop and deploy tools to improve PM and engineering productivity and reduce manual workflows.
• Forecast budgets for equipment and resources across programs and present to leadership.

Skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Time management

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

BS in Engineering or Computer Science

MS in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there’s no telling what you could accomplish. The people here at Apple donʼt just craft products - they build the kind of wonder thatʼs revolutionized entire industries. Itʼs the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.

DESCRIPTION

The Engineering Program Manager is responsible for managing business, technical strategy, readiness, and operations for EFFA and NPI Hardware Testing Labs. This role drives strategic growth through new business opportunities in hardware testing, AI/ML, diagnostics, and early engagement expansion. A strong strategic mindset is essential, as the role involves developing comprehensive end-to-end plans covering line layout, resource allocation, vendor management, and budget oversight. A successful candidate is a natural leader and facilitator, communicates effortlessly, thrives in ambiguity, and drives results through organization, influence, and conflict resolution.

As an Engineering Program Manager, you will be responsible for the overall strategy and management of the business end-to-end. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering, product, and operations teams to drive EFFA HW Testing Line readiness, NPI Early Engagement activities, and sustaining work requests. Drive strategic expansion of Lab testing scope by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in hardware testing, AI/ML data collection, diagnostics development, and repair initiatives. Lead cross-functional discussions with Ops and Engineering partners to define EFFA HW Testing and NPI Early Engagement scope, including test coverage and FA requirements (equipment and headcount). Lead Early Engagement technical coordination with Engineering teams to evaluate test station and conveyor compatibility with the lab's low-UPH environment, determine which stations can be adapted for early engagement builds, and develop bring-up plans accordingly. Drive AI and automation initiatives for the EFFA organization, including development and deployment of tools that improve PM and engineering productivity, reduce manual workflows, and support EFFA systems roadmap execution. Develop end-to-end lab bring-up plans, accounting for station bring-up and troubleshooting complexity, installation, qualification headcount (Apple, CM, and Equipment vendor resources), and equipment lead-times. Collaborate with cross-functional partners (i.e. SW, HW, Operations, and CM) to define test station bring-up and qualification requirements. Manage BOM review discussions with Test Engineers, Operations, Product Quality, and HW Test engineering teams to finalize equipment requirements. Manage buy new/reuse equipment decisions by coordinating with Test Engineering team. Support Buyers during BOM reviews and vendor engagements. Provide technical leadership for test station readiness. Develop and maintain expertise on test station architecture, test process, test station bring-up, and test station qualification methodology and data analysis. Complete budget forecast (equipment & resources) across all programs and present to the AppleCare leadership/finance and Product Quality stakeholders. Be effective at presenting at all levels within the company. Have the ability to flex style effectively for junior individual contributors and for senior executives. Develop and present compelling business cases. Understand key cost drivers and recommend options between competing strategies based on effective cost/benefit analysis. Use business and supply chain knowledge to analyze competing options.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science or equivalent experience.
• Over 7 years of diverse industry experience in project/program management, new product development, supply chain, operations, or engineering.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to cross-functional teams and leaders.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Self-motivated with a collaborative spirit to build strong relationships with other engineering teams and follow up on technical issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters in an Engineering field and/or MBA.
• Experience in managing procurement, inventory, supply chain, operations, and lab management responsibilities.
• Experience working on complex and ambiguous business problems and problem solving in an engineering or operations role.
• Experience developing business models to drive strategy and decisioning.