Surface Finishing - Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Anodizing

Socket.dev; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks a Surface Finishing Subject Matter Expert to join a dynamic team. You will lead development of anodizing, etching, and related finishing processes from concept to high-volume production, ensuring cosmetic and functional requirements are met.

The role requires strong communication with suppliers, overseas colleagues, and leadership, plus ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. A background in surface finishing and materials science is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in anodizing, etching, or related chemical surface finishing.
• Ability to travel overseas 25%+.

Responsibilities

• Enable cosmetic finishes by developing processes to match design finishes.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and address production gaps with advanced processes.
• Monitor manufacturing processes through product development to mass production.
• Present technical analyses to decision-makers for cosmetic and design decisions.

Skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional work

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related field

Job description

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.