Lead Polymer Materials Engineering Manager

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 216,000 - 394,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock programs

Discounted products and free services

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Hardware Polymers Materials Engineering Manager in Cupertino to lead a team developing new plastic materials and processes for cutting-edge devices. You will oversee engineers, collaborate with suppliers, and guide material selection alongside product/industrial design to meet aesthetics and performance goals.

The role emphasizes autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and delivering material solutions that align with Apple’s environmental targets and high-design standards.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Organic Chemistry and 10+ years in plastics industry.
• Strong materials fundamentals in plastic material properties, part design and fabrication.
• Experience managing engineering teams who are responsible for plastics development, formulation, compounding, or manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use statistical tools and techniques.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to change altitude as needed when speaking to executives versus engineers; excels at translating direction to team.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team that develops new plastic materials and processes for Apple hardware.
• Manage engineers responsible for plastics development, formulation, compounding, or manufacturing.
• Collaborate with suppliers to meet material needs for future designs.
• Coordinate with product design and industrial design on material selection and aesthetics.
• Drive environmental goals and reduce the carbon footprint of plastics.
• Maintain autonomy and communicate effectively across multiple projects.

Skills

Materials science fundamentals

Chemical engineering

Plastics engineering

Organic chemistry

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Plastics Engineering/Organic Chemistry

MS/PhD in Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Plastics Engineering/Organic Chemistry

Tools

Injection molding

3D printing

Compression molding

Plastics processing

Job description

Apple Inc. is seeking a Hardware Polymers Materials Engineering Manager in Cupertino to lead a team developing new plastic materials and processes for cutting-edge devices. You will oversee engineers, collaborate with suppliers, and guide material selection alongside product/industrial design to meet aesthetics and performance goals.

The role emphasizes autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and delivering material solutions that align with Apple’s environmental targets and high-design standards.