iPad & Input Product Design Engineering Program Manager

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 144,600 - 263,800; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA is seeking a Product Design Engineering Program Manager (PD EPM) for the iPad & Input team.

You will guide architecture choices and align cross-functional teams to deliver integrated hardware experiences, from enclosures to the tactile interactions users enjoy. Own end-to-end program strategy from concept through launch, set feature baselines, schedules and budgets, surface risks, and drive data‑driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 3-5 years experience in program management or mechanical engineering for rapid‑development consumer products with high‑aesthetic mechanical components.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical design and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Shape early product definition for next‑generation iPads and input devices by guiding architecture choices, framing technical direction, and aligning cross‑functional teams on clear objectives.
• Own the end‑to‑end program strategy by defining feature baselines, schedules, budgets, critical paths, and technology risks from concept through launch.
• Lead the charge in solving complex engineering puzzles that span the iPad and its family of input devices.

Skills

Project management

Mechanical design

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Metal stamping

Die casting

CNC machining

Plastic injection molding

MIM

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Overview

Imagine holding the next generation of iPad, or experiencing the seamless magic of our newest input devices, before anyone else in the world. As a Product Design Engineering Program Manager (PD EPM) on the iPad & Input team, you are the conductor of the hardware orchestra that brings these iconic experiences to life! You will lead the technical execution of some of the most beautifully complex, integrated consumer electronics on the planet. From breathtaking new enclosures to the intuitive, tactile magic of how users interact with our ecosystem, you will drive clarity out of ambiguity and align brilliant cross‑functional teams to deliver innovation at lightning speed. You’ll be the heartbeat of the project—architecting the master plan, guiding rapid‑fire engineering iterations, and balancing the ultimate tightrope of design, engineering, validation, and manufacturing. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, geek out over solving mind‑bending mechanical challenges, and love empowering teams to achieve the impossible, this is your chance to literally shape the future of how people interact with Apple hardware.

Description

Shape early product definition for next‑generation iPads and input devices by guiding architecture choices, framing technical direction, and aligning cross‑functional teams on clear objectives. Own the end‑to‑end program strategy by defining feature baselines, schedules, budgets, critical paths, and technology risks from concept through launch. Surface critical technical risks unique to our sleek, highly integrated ecosystem. Partner with engineering leaders to build clever mitigation plans and make the tough trade‑off decisions that balance beautiful design with cutting‑edge functionality. Lead the charge in solving complex engineering puzzles that span the iPad and its family of input devices. You’ll drive data‑driven decisions and keep everyone moving forward together to ensure timely convergence. Drive drawing releases, tooling decisions, and vendor engagement to ensure manufacturing readiness and alignment with build milestones. Oversee the planning and execution of hardware builds to bring early iPads and input devices to life. Partner with OEMs, factory teams, and engineering groups to validate our design intent and crush integration bugs. Communicate program updates with clarity and precision—distilling technical details into actionable insights for executive and cross‑functional audiences. Foster strong partnerships across Product Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, Marketing, and external vendors to ensure seamless program execution. Provide steady leadership through ambiguity—maintaining focus, driving accountability, and guiding the program toward ambitious product goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• 3-5 years experience in program management or mechanical engineering for rapid‑development consumer products with high‑aesthetic mechanical components.
• Strong technical foundation in mechanical design and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills; ability to inspire teams and tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Self‑motivated and proactive, with demonstrated creative problem solving and strong critical‑thinking abilities.
• Demonstrated resilience and flexibility amidst ambiguity and changing direction.
• Deep understanding of product development and manufacturing processes, with solid mechanical engineering fundamentals. Experience with metal stamping, forging, machining (CNC), die casting, plastic injection molding, and metal injection molding (MIM) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage complex designs and technical strategies effectively.
• Experience delivering products that combine multiple materials and demand high aesthetic quality.
• Experience collaborating across diverse cross‑functional teams including Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, and Marketing.

Compensation & Benefits

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 $144,600 and $263,800, 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.

Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

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.