Surface Finishing - Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Anodizing

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 163,500 - 246,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Education reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Discretionary bonuses

Medical and dental coverage

Job summary

Apple in Cupertino is seeking a Surface Finishing Subject Matter Expert to lead high‑volume cosmetic and functional finishing processes from concept to production.

You will work with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to develop anodizing, pre‑treatment, and etching processes, monitor quality, and present analysis to executives. Strong communication and project management are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in anodizing, etching, or related chemical surface finishing operation.
• Frequent overseas travel required (25+%).

Responsibilities

• Enable cosmetic requirements by developing processes to match designer finishes.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and address production gaps with advanced processes.
• Monitor and adjust manufacturing processes to meet functional and cosmetic requirements in mass production.
• Present technical and process analysis to key decision makers for commercial, cosmetic and design decisions.

Skills

Anodizing

Etching

Surface finishing

English fluency

Education

Bachelor degree in engineering/chemistry/materials science

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Operations and Supply Chain

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry‑leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.

Description

Join a dynamic team of Subject Matter Experts specializing in the color, material, and finish of Apple products. Get immersed in anodizing, etching, and other surface finishing technologies. The SME will be directly involved in creating Apple products from initial concept to mass production. The Surface Finishing SME is responsible for planning, implementing, analyzing, and optimizing high volume surface finishing processes to meet rigorous cosmetic and functional requirements. Work with suppliers, overseas colleagues, cross‑functional and leadership teams to create robust processes to meet our rigorous functional and cosmetic requirements. A successful candidate will be intimate with anodizing, aluminum pre‑treatment, etching, or related chemical finishing operation. The ability to accurately communicate complex technical details to colleagues, cross‑functional teams, and Apple executives is critical. They will be able to manage multiple concurrent projects, keep calm and focused during difficult situations, be process‑oriented, and remain flexible & adaptable to the fast pace of mass production.

• Enable the cosmetic requirements set by Apple designers by developing processes to match their desired finish. This includes creating initial samples, and developing the process necessary to meet their desired finishes.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and, if necessary, address production gaps by implementing advanced manufacturing processes and control methods.
• Monitor and adjust the manufacturing processes throughout the product development cycle to reliably meet functional and cosmetic requirements in mass production.
• Present technical and process analysis to key decision makers that will be used to make commercial, cosmetic and design decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in anodizing, etching, or related chemical surface finishing operation.
• Frequent overseas travel required (25+%).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using a variety of mechanical processes and chemical finishing processes to meet tight cosmetic and functional requirements.
• Excellent problem solving skills, and the ability to drive root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Attention to detail, consistent follow‑through, and the ability to remain focused on strategic goals while managing day‑to‑day project activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Fluency in English is required.
• Experience with highly cosmetic consumer electronics devices preferred.
• Experience in a multinational organization working on cross‑functional teams.
• Minimum average, preferably superior color discrimination ability.
• Graduate degree is a plus.

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 $163,500 and $246,200, 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.