Hardware Reliability Engineer - System Testing

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

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA is hiring a Hardware Reliability Engineer to lead reliability activities for iPad system reliability.

You will design and implement tests to identify high-risk failure modes early in the design cycle, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive improvements that extend product life and customer satisfaction. The role requires a Bachelor's in engineering or physics, 3+ years in reliability or related fields, strong communication, and willingness to travel up to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or an equivalent field.
• 3+ years of experience in a related field or industry.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally, as needed (up to 10%).

Responsibilities

• Guide design and interact with diverse groups to improve product reliability
• Statistical data analysis to evaluate designs and provide design risk assessments
• Present test plans, results, and risk assessments in a confident and positive manner to management and executive teams
• Develop new reliability tests procedures and specifications
• Prepare concise and detailed test plans and analyze test results
• Research new technologies to understand unique failure mechanisms

Skills

Communication skills

Travel ability

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

Hardware Reliability Engineer - iPad System Reliability

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

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!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.Come join our team!

Description

As a System Reliability Engineer, you'll be responsible for identifying high-risk failure modes early in the design process and working closely with design engineering teams to reduce those risks. You'll create new reliability tests based on the physics of failure and anticipated user behavior, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards. You'll also develop and deliver critical test equipment and specifications, and collaborate with vendors to meet testing deadlines. Additionally, you'll support failure analysis efforts, offering design recommendations based on your evaluation of test data to drive continuous product improvements.

Responsibilities

• Guide design and interact with diverse groups to improve product reliability
• Statistical data analysis to evaluate designs and provide design risk assessments
• Present test plans, results, and risk assessments in a confident and positive manner to management and executive teams
• Develop new reliability tests procedures and specifications
• Prepare concise and detailed test plans and analyze test results
• Research new technologies to understand unique failure mechanisms

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or an equivalent field
• 3+ years of experience in a related field or industry
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally, as needed (up to 10%)

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or an equivalent field
• 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
• Statistical experience such as Weibull, JMP, or familiarity with accelerated test models
• Solid understanding of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work cross-functionally effectively
• Strong attention to details and curiosity of how technologies work
• A proactive, can-do attitude, with a passion for working alongside an amazing team and innovative products

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.