Hardware Reliability Engineer - Watch System Reliability

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 263,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Hardware Reliability Engineer for Watch System Reliability to identify high-risk failure modes early in the design process and work with design teams to mitigate them.

You will develop reliability tests based on physics of failure, create testing equipment, and collaborate with vendors to meet deadlines, while delivering design improvements supported by test data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field with 3+ years of engineering experience.
• Familiar with failure analysis techniques (Optical Microscopy, X-ray/CT, SEM/EDX) and deriving root causes.
• Ability to create clear slides and presentations (Keynote, Excel).
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-risk failure modes early in design and work with design teams to mitigate risks.
• Develop reliability tests based on physics of failure and anticipated user behavior.
• Develop test equipment and specifications; collaborate with vendors to meet deadlines.
• Analyze failure data to drive continuous product improvements.

Skills

Statistical data analysis

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Failure analysis techniques

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (mechanical, materials, electrical, physics, etc.)

M.S. or PhD in Materials Science / Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

SEM/EDX equipment usage

X-ray/CT analysis

Optical microscopy analysis

Job description

Hardware Reliability Engineer - Watch System Reliability

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

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in technical field (mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related fields etc.) with 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
• 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 make clear and concise slides and presentations through keynote, excel, etc.
• Ability to travel internationally without restriction (up to 10%)

Preferred Qualifications

• 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
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Confidence in presenting test results and risk assessments to cross-functional and leadership teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Capability to perform tests and troubleshoot issues independently
• Openness to take on new tasks
• A proactive, can-do attitude, with a passion for working alongside an amazing team and innovative products
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work cross-functionally 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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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