Prototype Fabricator

Apple Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 106,475 - 186,867; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Employee stock programs

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Product discounts

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a hands-on fabrication specialist to translate early-stage concepts into physical prototypes for multiple hardware products.

You will fabricate prototypes, set up machines, and work with researchers, designers, and engineers to ensure rapid, high-fidelity results. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience across CNC, 3D printing, or molding, plus experience with metals and plastics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience in at least one fabrication category (CNC, 3D printing, or molding).
• Experience with metals, plastics, and soft materials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Comfort with ambiguity and shifting priorities in research.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts in CNC or optimize rapid prototyping.
• Ability to validate dimensions with metrology tools.
• Experience with Jira or similar work ticketing systems.
• Full-time, on-site presence required.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate research tools, prototypes, and fixtures across a broad range of methods.
• Prepare materials, set up, and operate fabrication machines, and conduct checks on finished components.
• Work directly and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers to interpret concepts and translate them into physical prototypes.
• Select appropriate materials, processes, and tolerances based on intent rather than fixed specifications.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment to high safety and quality standards.
• Support lab operations, including tooling, consumables, and equipment readiness.

Skills

5‑axis CNC

3D printing

Injection molding

Metals

Plastics

Communication

Collaboration

Jira

Education

Degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or industrial design

Tools

Jira

Job description

Shape the future of Apple’s hardware products! The Applied Research and Characterization team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, human factors, biomechanics, data analysis, statistics, software, and advanced fabrication. We deliver data-backed insights for design decisions across Apple's entire hardware portfolio, directly influencing products launched worldwide. You'll have access to cutting-edge equipment and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts across our global sites. Few teams offer this breadth of impact combined with world-class resources.

Description

In this role, you will fabricate high-quality prototypes in support of applied research teams working across multiple hardware products. You will work closely and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers in a shared lab environment, translating early-stage concepts into physical form across a wide range of materials, scales, and fabrication methods. Because our prototypes serve internal research rather than production pipelines, the emphasis is on speed, fidelity to intent, and creative problem-solving rather than volume or process standardization.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate research tools, prototypes, and fixtures across a broad range of methods.
• Prepare materials, set up, and operate fabrication machines, and conduct checks on finished components.
• Work directly and frequently with researchers, designers, and engineers to interpret concepts and translate them into physical prototypes.
• Select appropriate materials, processes, and tolerances based on intent rather than fixed specifications.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment to high safety and quality standards.
• Support lab operations, including tooling, consumables, and equipment readiness.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands‑on experience with at least one of the following fabrication categories: subtractive (5‑axis CNC) or additive (3D printing, injection molding).
• Experience working with a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and flexible or soft materials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate directly with interdisciplinary stakeholders.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly shifting priorities in a research environment.
• Ability to program complex 3D parts in CNC or optimize for rapid prototyping.
• Ability to validate dimensions and critical features using metrology equipment.
• Experience with work ticketing systems (such as Jira).
• Full‑time, on‑site presence required to work with research equipment, and prototypes.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience across a broad range of fabrication equipment — CNC mills and lathes, laser cutters, FDM/SLA printers, and bench tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings as well as informal sketches and verbal descriptions.
• Proficient in complex assembly of prototypes.
• Interest in learning new fabrication methods.
• Experience developing SOPs for assembly work.
• Degree in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, industrial design, or equivalent work experience.

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 $51.19 and $89.84/hr, 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, colour, 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.