Manufacturing Design Engineer: Automation & Fixtures Lead

Apple Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Austin, Texas, seeks a Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) to drive automation, fixture design, and process capability across Apple’s supply base.

You will collaborate with Industrial Design, Product Design, and external partners to deliver high‑impact manufacturing solutions. Responsibilities include designing modular fixtures for automation stations such as laser welding and precision dispensing, while iterating concepts, validating via testing, and ensuring scalable reuse across

Qualifications

• 5+ years automation, robotics, and fixture design for mass production.
• Experience with machine vision, motion control, sensors, and related components.
• CAD-based design of mechanical components and fixtures with GD&T documentation.
• BS or MS in mechanical/manufacturing/automation/mechatronics/robotics or equivalent.
• Willingness to travel 25% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate automation and fixture implementation risks with cross-functional teams.
• Provide design for automation feedback, cost estimates, and ROI analysis.
• Support FAT/SAT testing and qualification of new fixtures and processes.

Skills

Automation experience

Machine and fixture design

CAD with GD&T

Vision, motion control & sensors

Global supply chain collaboration

Education

BS/MS in mechanical / manufacturing / automation

Tools

CAD

Machine vision systems

PLC programming

Job description

Apple Inc. in Austin, Texas, seeks a Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) to drive automation, fixture design, and process capability across Apple’s supply base.

You will collaborate with Industrial Design, Product Design, and external partners to deliver high‑impact manufacturing solutions. Responsibilities include designing modular fixtures for automation stations such as laser welding and precision dispensing, while iterating concepts, validating via testing, and ensuring scalable reuse across