Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

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

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to design automated calibration and metrology systems from concept to mass production, collaborating with design, manufacturing, and software teams.

You will translate complex physics into testable requirements, analyze performance data, and drive reliable, scalable solutions for cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and displays. Travel up to 25% for factory validation and working with global partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design with a focus on complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals including mechanism design, material selection, tolerance analysis (GD&T), and DFMEA.
• Hands-on failure analysis experience — able to identify root cause and drive design improvements.
• Experience working with vendors or contract manufacturers in a product development and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally across operations, software, and product design teams.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25% to support station validation and factory integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated calibration and metrology systems from concept through mass production validation
• Engage with product design teams early to translate complex physics problems into clear, testable requirements across cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and display technologies
• Assess equipment performance by interpreting test data and iterating designs to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — operations, software, and product design — to balance diverse design objectives using data-backed ROI analyses
• Work directly with manufacturing partners and system integrators to support technical quality and vendor development
• Support resolution of technical deliverables in ambiguous environments with competing priorities and schedules
• Support factory bring-up activities, including travel to manufacturing sites to debug live production issues and drive corrective actions
• Communicate complex technical work clearly across all levels — from vendor teams to Director-level stakeholders
• Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and best practices

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Vendor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's or PhD in engineering

Tools

UG NX

ANSYS

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

The Instrumentation PD group at Apple designs and develops the test equipment and fixtures that ensure Apple's most iconic products meet the highest quality standards. We're looking for a Mechanical Systems Design Engineer to contribute to the development of novel automated calibration and metrology systems - from early concept through global manufacturing deployment. If you're a creative problem-solver who thrives at the intersection of complex physics, precision engineering, and real-world manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

Description

The Instrumentation PD team sits at the heart of Apple's global manufacturing operations, owning the test equipment and fixtures used to validate product technologies including cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and display. In this role, you'll contribute to the full lifecycle of automated metrology systems — working alongside senior engineers, product designers, operations, software teams, and global system integrators. You'll grow your technical depth across multiple engineering domains while directly influencing the quality of products used by hundreds of millions of people.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated calibration and metrology systems from concept through mass production validation
• Engage with product design teams early to translate complex physics problems into clear, testable requirements across cameras, health sensing, acoustics, and display technologies
• Assess equipment performance by interpreting test data and iterating designs to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — operations, software, and product design — to balance diverse design objectives using data-backed ROI analyses
• Work directly with manufacturing partners and system integrators to support technical quality and vendor development
• Support resolution of technical deliverables in ambiguous environments with competing priorities and schedules
• Support factory bring-up activities, including travel to manufacturing sites to debug live production issues and drive corrective actions
• Communicate complex technical work clearly across all levels — from vendor teams to Director-level stakeholders
• Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and best practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent
• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design with a focus on complex electromechanical systems
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals including mechanism design, material selection, tolerance analysis (GD&T), and DFMEA
• Hands-on failure analysis experience — able to identify root cause and drive design improvements
• Experience working with vendors or contract manufacturers in a product development and manufacturing environment
• Ability to work cross-functionally across operations, software, and product design teams
• Ability to travel internationally up to 25% to support station validation and factory integration

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering field
• Experience with mass‑produced electronics manufacturing equipment — structures, sheet metal, plastics, robotics, or automation
• Proficiency with UG NX or equivalent CAD platform
• Experience with FEA stress analysis (ANSYS preferred)
• Familiarity with Apple's NPI process and manufacturing environments
• Experience developing or managing vendor ecosystems, particularly with global system integrators
• Experience in project or program management
• Written and verbal Mandarin language skills

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.