Packaging Materials Engineer: Characterization

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

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.