Hardware Reliability Engineer - Mac System Reliability

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple, Inc. is seeking a Hardware Reliability Engineer to join the Mac System Reliability team in Cupertino, CA. You will lead cross-functional efforts to characterize usage, design lab reliability tests, and drive design improvements for enduring product quality.

You will apply physics-of-failure methods, perform SEM/EDX/X-ray analysis, and develop new test procedures while collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to meet aggressive reliability targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, materials, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 2+ years of industry experience.
• Strong written and verbal English communication.
• Ability to develop reliability test plans and analyze results.
• Experience with SEM/EDX/X-Ray or related failure analysis techniques.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% internationally.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-risk failure modes early and mitigate with design teams.
• Create reliability tests based on physics of failure and user environment.
• Develop test equipment and specifications; work with vendors to meet deadlines.
• Support failure analysis and provide design recommendations based on data.

Skills

Statistical data analysis

Failure analysis techniques

Technical communication

Presentation skills (Keynote, Excel)

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related fields

MS/PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

Job description

Hardware Reliability Engineer - Mac System Reliability

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Apple is seeking a Reliability Engineer to join our Mac Hardware Reliability team!In this role, you’ll collaborate with diverse hardware teams to ensure our products are not only durable and reliable, but also built to exceed expectations. From early concepts to field returns, you’ll lead cross-functional teams, design innovative reliability tests, and drive continuous product improvements.At Apple, we don’t just follow industry standards—we push beyond them. We value creative problem-solving, dynamic thinking, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technical challenges. If you’re excited about tackling tough problems and shaping the future of amazing products, we’d love to have you on board!

Description

As a System Reliability Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping our products, ensuring longevity by design. You will be responsible for characterizing product usage patterns, translating them into controlled lab tests, and coordinating timely design validation efforts. With these results, you will collaborate through design iterations ensuring our products meet high standards for customer experience. You bring exceptional problem-solving skills and technical expertise, including:

• A deep understanding of material and device properties (mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal) and the underlying physics
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and clear reporting, providing design risk assessments and guiding product improvements
• Strong theoretical knowledge in physical failure analysis techniques, such as SEM/EDX/X-Ray and other characterization techniques
• Proven ability to develop new reliability test procedures, create detailed test plans, and analyze results to assess design risks

Responsibilities

• Identifying high-risk failure modes early in the design process and working closely with design engineering teams to mitigate risks.
• Create new reliability tests based on the physics of failure and anticipated user behavior and deployment environment, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards.
• Develop and deliver critical test equipment and specifications, and collaborate with vendors to meet testing deadlines.
• Support failure analysis efforts, offering design recommendations based on your evaluation of test data to drive continuous product improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in technical field ( mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related fields) with 2+ years of industry experience
• Good written and verbal English communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate through email, WebEx, and phone
• Ability to make clear and concise slides and presentations through keynote, excel, etc.
• Strong attention to detail and curiosity of how technologies work

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-10 years of experience in an engineering role
• M.S. or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent field
• Statistical experience such as Weibull, JMP, or familiarity with accelerated test models
• Familiar with Failure Analysis techniques (Optical Microscopy, X-ray/CT, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, etc.), and the ability to use failure analysis methodology to derive a root cause of failure
• Ability to travel internationally without restriction (up to 10%)
• Collaborative attitude and ability to cross-functionally work effectively

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.