Microphone Module Engineer

Apple Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 116,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Microphone Module Engineer in Boulder, CO to drive MEMS sensor and actuator technology for acoustics across product lines. You will model and validate concepts using advanced FEA and lumped-element methods, and work with suppliers to resolve root causes.

You will communicate status, risks, and mitigation strategies to a diverse team, iterating on concepts from development to product integration.

Qualifications

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in high-volume consumer electronics.
• Direct MEMS experience is essential.
• Experience with ANSYS or COMSOL required.
• Multiphysics modeling including thermoacoustics, electronics, RF, heat transfer, magnetics.

Responsibilities

• Model and analyze MEMS sensor/actuator technologies for acoustics features.
• Scope MEMS technologies and devise proof-of-concept designs and test-structures.
• Apply analytical, lumped element, and finite element methods to assess designs.
• Present findings to cross-functional teams and coordinate with suppliers.

Skills

FEA experience

MEMS technologies

Multiphysics modeling

Transducers (electrostatic/piezo)

Spice/Matlab/Verilog

Semiconductor materials

Travel 10-15%

Education

Advanced degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

Boulder, Colorado, United States Hardware

At Apple, extraordinary ideas have a way of quickly becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences. Sound is an essential and compelling facet of the customer experience. Apple has assembled an elite Acoustics team that enables our customers to experience music with delight, communicate with clarity, and enjoy elegant sound throughout our product line. In Apple Acoustics we work with the utmost attention to detail, directly impacting the design of products that millions of people around the world love!A key part of the mission within Apple Acoustics is to help drive microphone hardware design, validation, and problem-solving to minimize distracting audible noises and optimize sound quality across Apple product lines. We've assembled a diverse team of acoustics, mechanics, electronics, physics, and MEMS experts; accomplished listeners, and creative problem solvers. We work closely with multi-functional teams on innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges.To help take our products to the next level, we are searching for a Microphone Module Engineer to join the fight and support our ability to analyze & develop new technologies. Could this be you?

Description

Do you have an inventive design approach and enjoy the challenges of miniaturization? As a Microphone Module Engineer, you will be responsible for modeling and analyzing new sensor and actuator technologies to enable new acoustics features across Apple product lines. This will include scoping new MEMS technologies and devising proof-of-concept designs, models, and test-structures. You’ll apply your expertise using analytical, lumped element, and finite element methods. You’ll communicate your findings and takeaways regularly with a diverse multi-functional team working on acoustic modules. This includes regular presentations on status, risk, and mitigation strategies. Ultimately, your efforts will identify useful technologies to travel from the technology development phase to utilization in products.In this role, you will regularly interact with suppliers and sub-contractors to drive technologies that enable new sensor and actuator functionalities, diagnosing engineering issues as you go, driving to definitive root cause. Your creativity and ability to think quickly and dynamically in order solve technical challenges will be key.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) within high-volume consumer electronic products and/or modules.
• Direct experience with MEMS technologies is vital.
• ANSYS or COMSOL experience required.
• Deep understanding of multiphysics modeling, including linear and non-linear structural analysis, thermoviscous acoustics, electronics, RF, heat transfer, and magnetics, as applied to mobile devices.
• Experience characterizing and de-bugging MEMS transducers (sensors or actuators such as IMUs, pressure sensors, microphones, micro-mirrors, etc).
• Direct experience with electrostatic /piezoelectric transducers.
• Experience developing simplified models, such as lumped element models, using tools such as Spice, Matlab, Verilog, etc. to develop and validate your design concepts.
• Expertise designing experiments and analyzing data using tool such as JMP, Matlab, or various scripting approaches to enable analysis of the manufacturability of your designs.
• Working knowledge of semiconductor and MEMS materials and packaging.
• International travel (10-15%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling MEMS-package interactions.
• Most of our engineers have advanced degrees Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or an equivalent field.

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 $116,400 and $203,000, 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.
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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.