Solution Architect - ECAD Engineer

Apple Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary stock programs

Healthcare benefits

Retirement benefits

Educational reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a highly skilled ECAD Workflow & Solutions Architect to partner with hardware engineers and PCB designers, shaping efficient ECAD workflows and tool strategies across the design lifecycle.

You will champion AI/ML-enabled design, automation, and data management, collaborating with IT and tool developers to push innovative solutions while aligning with Apple’s standards and roadmap.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
• 6+ years hands-on ECAD design or related hardware field.
• Expertise with Cadence Allegro/OrCAD, Mentor Xpedition, Altium.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with clear solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous environment.
• Experience with automation and scripting (Python, Java).

Responsibilities

• Act as a point of contact and trusted advisor for hardware engineers and PCB designers.
• Work with design teams to translate needs into actionable solutions.
• Champion standard ECAD processes, data management, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with design teams, IT, and tool developers to define ECAD workflows.
• Seek automation and efficiency gains across the ECAD design lifecycle.
• Drive AI/ML integration into ECAD processes (design rule checking, layout optimization, data analysis).
• Contribute to the ECAD tools roadmap and infrastructure strategy.
• Evaluate new technologies and trends for Apple's design environment.

Skills

ECAD experience

Communication

Autonomy

Workflow optimization

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Cadence Allegro/OrCAD

Mentor Xpedition

Altium Designer

Python

Java

Git

Job description

We are the Hardware Engineering Ops ECAD Solution Team, and we work hand in hand with Apple's Engineers to help deliver the best products! We are responsible for training, educating and advancing the best CAD design environment for hardware design teams.We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced ECAD Workflow & Solutions Architect to be the strategic partner and technical expert for our hardware design community. This isn't just about support; it's about advancing hardware design at Apple, driving efficiency, innovation, and the seamless adoption of innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, across our ECAD workflows.Come join our team!

Description

This position will focus on architecting, optimizing and advancing workflows for our electrical design teams. We are looking for someone who always strives to learn something new, is a self-starter who can work independently with high levels of success and is excited about solving new challenging problems with innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Act as a point of contact and trusted advisor for hardware engineers and PCB designers, providing guidance and solving complex workflow and tool-related challenges.
• Work hand-in-hand with design teams to understand their unique needs, identify problems, and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Champion standard processes in ECAD design, data management, and collaboration, ensuring consistency and excellence across projects.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design teams, IT, and tool developers to define, design, and implement next-generation ECAD workflows and tooling requirements.
• Proactively seek opportunities for automation, optimization, and efficiency gains throughout the entire ECAD design lifecycle.
• Drive the integration of the latest Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) technologies into all aspects of our ECAD processes. This includes exploring and implementing solutions for design rule checking, component selection, layout optimization, data analysis, predictive modeling, and more.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for ECAD tools and infrastructure, advocating for solutions that meet both current demands and future innovation goals.
• Evaluate new technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential impact and fit within Apple's unique design environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
• 6+ years of hands‑on experience in ECAD design or a related hardware engineering field.
• Expertise with industry‑standard ECAD tools (e.g., Cadence Allegro/OrCAD, Mentor Graphics Xpedition, Altium Designer) and associated design flows.
• Exceptional problem‑solving, analytical, and diagnostic abilities, with a curiosity for translating complex technical issues into clear, actionable solutions.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and influence partners at all levels.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities with a high degree of autonomy.
• Experience with automation and workflow processes and scripting languages (e.g. Python, Java)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a solutions architect, workflow consultant, or technical lead in an ECAD‑focused role.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, written and verbal, to all levels of an organization.
• Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems and version control (e.g., Git).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational 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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.