Material Characterization Engineer, Packaging Product Design

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Material Characterization Engineer in Cupertino, CA to connect material properties with packaging performance and to define failure criteria and design margins. Work spans test planning, correlation modeling, and cross-functional collaboration with design, manufacturing, and vendor labs.

The role emphasizes materials science, sustainability, and advanced data analysis, with opportunities to lead new testing methods and contribute to packaging innovations.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science and Engineering with strong materials science knowledge.
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Solid knowledge of materials science fundamentals, including processing, structure, properties and performance.
• Proficiency in trial design and statistical analysis using JMP or equivalent software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a team-based environment.
• Ability to travel up to 20%, including internationally.

Responsibilities

• Identify material properties that drive critical packaging performance and link to design.
• Plan and execute material- and part-level characterization and failure analysis across environments and with vendors.
• Define failure criteria and design margin using FMEA to prioritize tests and translate to specs.
• Design trial plans and build correlation models linking material properties to performance.
• Develop test fixtures, systems, and methods and promote adoption across project teams.

Skills

Materials science fundamentals

Mechanical testing

Failure analysis

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering

MS or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

JMP

Python

MATLAB

Abaqus

Job description

Material Characterization Engineer, Packaging Product Design

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

When was the last time you enjoyed a box as much as the product inside? At Apple, every customer interaction is an opportunity for surprise and delight! This philosophy extends beyond the product to its packaging, where every detail is thoughtfully considered.The Packaging Product Design team is a diverse group of people responsible for the design and execution of structural packaging for every Apple product, shipped to customers around the world. Our packaging delivers an outstanding unboxing experience, protects products throughout the shipping environment, and advances Apple's sustainability goals. We collaborate with a wide range of teams, including Industrial Design, Marketing, Environmental, and Operations, throughout the design process.

Description

We are seeking people who approach problem-solving with passion, creativity, and curiosity. Apple's approach to packaging is unique, so we value people who are eager to learn and further develop their knowledge of packaging design, manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials. We welcome fresh perspectives from outside the standard packaging industry to drive innovation.In this role, you will build the link between material properties and how our packaging performs. You will identify and bring focus to the material properties that drive critical performance, test materials and parts to failure to measure true design margin, and turn the results into models and specifications that help teams focus early on what matters most. Our core material areas are fiber-based materials, adhesives, and coatings.

Responsibilities

• Identify the material properties that drive critical packaging performance, applying processing, structure, and property fundamentals
• Plan and execute material- and part-level characterization and failure analysis across environmental conditions, including test-to-failure methods, both in-house and with vendors and partner labs
• Define failure criteria and design margin, using FMEA to prioritize high-risk failure modes and critical tests, and help teams translate them into material and part specifications
• Design trial plans and build correlation models that link material properties to part and packaged-product performance, partnering with FEA teams on material model development
• Develop test fixtures, test systems, and new test methods, and promote adoption of the characterization and correlation methodology across project teams

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with strong materials science knowledge
• 6+ years of relevant industry experience
• Solid knowledge of materials science fundamentals, including how processing and structure drive properties and performance, with hands‑on experience in mechanical and physical material testing and failure analysis
• Proficiency in trial design and statistical analysis using JMP or equivalent statistical software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present technical details succinctly in a team‑based environment
• Ability to travel up to 20%, including internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience with fiber-based materials, adhesives, or coatings
• Experience with accelerated aging methods and packaging test standards such as ASTM, TAPPI, and ISTA
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques to characterize materials (e.g., SEM, FTIR, and DSC)
• Advanced data analysis and modeling skills (e.g., regression, machine learning) using tools such as Python or MATLAB, and exposure to finite element analysis (e.g., Abaqus)

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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
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.