Mechanical Architecture – FEA

Socket.dev; California (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks a Mechanical Architecture Engineer to develop predictive analytical and computational models for advanced sensing systems, guiding architecture from concept to mass production. You will blend first-principles engineering, analytical modeling, rigid-body dynamics, and high-fidelity FEM.

You will validate models through experiments and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve performance, reliability, and robustness across hardware products.

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of solid mechanics, dynamics, vibrations, materials, and heat transfer.
• Experience with analytical modeling, finite element analysis, and experimental validation.
• Proficiency with Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent tools.
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop predictive analytical and computational models to understand mechanical behavior of sensing technologies.
• Determine modeling approach from closed-form analytical models to high-fidelity finite element simulations.
• Influence architecture decisions, evaluate design tradeoffs, and optimize product performance.
• Validate models through experimentation and data comparison.
• Advance modeling methodologies to enable innovative sensing technologies.

Skills

Analytical modeling

FEA

Experimental validation

Abaqus

ANSYS

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Solid mechanics

Dynamics

Vibrations

Materials

Heat transfer

Communication

Collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

At Apple, great products begin with a deep understanding of the underlying physics. Our team is looking for a Mechanical Architecture Engineer to develop predictive mechanical models that enable next-generation sensing solutions. In this role, you will combine first-principles engineering, analytical modeling, rigid-body dynamics, and finite element analysis (FEA) to guide product architecture from concept through mass production. Your work will directly influence product performance, reliability, and engineering decisions across Apple's hardware products.

Description

As a Mechanical Architecture Engineer, you will develop and apply predictive analytical and computational models to understand the mechanical behavior of advanced sensing technologies and systems. You will determine the appropriate modeling approach, from closed-form analytical models and rigid-body dynamics to high-fidelity finite element simulations, to solve complex engineering challenges across multiple levels of fidelity. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will influence architecture decisions, evaluate design tradeoffs, optimize product performance, and improve robustness before hardware is built. You will validate models through experimentation, investigate complex mechanical issues using first-principles engineering and simulation, and continuously advance modeling methodologies that enable innovative sensing technologies.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experienceStrong knowledge of solid mechanics, dynamics, vibrations, materials, and heat transfer.
• Experience with analytical modeling, finite element analysis, and experimental validation.
• Proficiency with Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent tools.
• Programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related fieldExperience with MEMS (highly preferred), multiphysics, system modeling, multibody dynamics, or reduced-order modeling.
• Experience with nonlinear materials, fatigue, and fracture mechanics.
• Experience with DOE, optimization, uncertainty quantification, or statistical analysis.
• Experience with simulation automation, surrogate models, or ML-based simulation acceleration.
• Experience with ANSA, META, HyperMesh, or similar tools.