Haptics Product Design Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks a Product Design / Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of next-generation haptic actuators and experiences.

You will own end-to-end mechanical design from concept to production and collaborate with cross-functional teams. The role involves designing components, prototyping and validating ideas, generating specs, performing simulations, and coordinating with vendors.

Qualifications

• BS degree and 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong background in mechanics and design for manufacturability.
• Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and FEA.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for haptic actuators.
• Prototype, evaluate, and debug concepts through tests.
• Create detailed specs and drawings aligning with cross-functional teams.
• Analyze structures and perform simulations and experiments.
• Support manufacturing processes with external vendors.
• Lead design reviews and maintain documentation.
• Travel internationally up to 10% as needed.

Skills

CAD

GD&T

Mechanics

Problem solving

FEA tools

Electrical knowledge

Communication

Education

BS in related field

Tools

3D CAD software

2D drafting tools

FEA software

Job description

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

The Haptic Engineering team develops innovative haptic solutions that are central to Apple's products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch! Our key goal is to enable the world’s best user-experience and explore the possibilities using haptics. We are a highly multi-functional team working in a hands-on environment that values creativity, engineering excellence, and passion for innovation. New challenges arise every single day that require the sharp analytical skills of versatile and forward-thinking individuals. We are seeking a Product Design / Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of next-generation haptic actuators and experiences. Imagine what you could do at Apple! Are you ready to help us deliver the next groundbreaking Apple products?

Description

You will have end-to-end responsibility for the mechanical design and integration of a haptic actuator from concept to production. You will be expected to work with a variety of cross functional teams and vendors to accomplish this.

Responsibilities

• Design and define mechanical components and assembly schemes
• Brainstorm concepts and solutions to haptic related challenges
• Prototype, evaluate, and debug innovative ideas
• Generate detailed specifications and drawings
• Analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify fundamental device performance through simulation and experiments
• Participate in the development of new manufacturing and assembly processes with external vendors
• Periodic international travel based on project needs (< 10%)
• Validate and characterize designs through multiple iterations
• Conduct failure analysis and design of experiments (DOEs) to resolve root cause and implement corrective actions
• Collaborating with Industrial Design and system engineering groups to determine and achieve both functional and aesthetic goals
• Designing for manufacturability with Process, Manufacturing Design, Technical Operations, and other cross-functional teams
• Communicating multi‑functionally and throughout management structure on a regular basis (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Managing and tracking multiple priorities within schedule requirements
• Leading design reviews and design documentation releases

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
• Experience with 3D CAD, 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
• Strong fundamentals in mechanics
• Skilled at problem-solving, using tools like the scientific method, root cause analysis, and DOE creation (Design of Experiments)
• Proficient with mechanical or electromagnetic FEA tools
• Applied knowledge of electrical circuits, material science, and basic chemistry
• Team oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Design and/or research experience with haptic technologies
• Experience in the design and application of electromagnetic and actuators
• Expert knowledge of electro‑mechanics and dynamics
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (JMP, MATLAB, Excel, etc)
• High volume mass production experience (DFM)

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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.

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.