Mechanical Architecture – FEA

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and free services

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Discretionary bonuses or commissions

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Architecture Engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area to develop predictive models for next-generation sensing systems.

This role combines first-principles engineering, analytical modeling, rigid-body dynamics, and finite element analysis to guide architecture from concept to mass production. You will validate models with experiments, optimize performance, and collaborate with hardware teams to resolve complex mechanical challenges across Apple’s devices.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree.
• 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 analytical, finite element, and system models for sensing technologies and mechanical systems.
• Perform structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, modal, harmonic, and nonlinear simulations to guide design decisions.
• Develop and calibrate material models using experimental characterization data.
• Validate models through testing and improve predictive accuracy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and integration.
• Develop simulation workflows, automation, and methodologies to improve engineering efficiency.
• Communicate technical insights and recommendations to engineering teams and leadership.

Skills

Solid mechanics

Dynamics

Vibrations

Materials

Heat transfer

Analytical modeling

Experimental validation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS

COMSOL

MATLAB

Python

Job description

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Hardware

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical, finite element, and system models for sensing technologies and mechanical systems.
• Perform structural, thermal, dynamic, vibration, modal, harmonic, and nonlinear simulations to guide design decisions.
• Develop and calibrate material models using experimental characterization data.
• Validate models through testing and improve predictive accuracy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize performance, reliability, manufacturability, and integration.
• Develop simulation workflows, automation, and methodologies to improve engineering efficiency.
• Communicate technical insights and recommendations to engineering teams and leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Structural Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Experience 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.

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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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.