Technical Program Manager - Optical Components

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino seeks a Technical Program Manager for Optical Components to lead cross-functional teams from development through mass production, guiding molding, coating, inspection and final testing to deliver high‑volume, high‑quality optical products that meet stringent performance and reliability standards.

You will collaborate with global suppliers and internal partners, drive readiness, yield improvements and quality, and use JMP/Tableau/DOE to guide decisions and report progress

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in optical manufacturing, coating, or related high-precision process industries.
• Experience with global suppliers in high-volume production environments.
• Experience with JMP or Tableau and with Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Lead factory setup and optimization of optical manufacturing processes (molding, coating, inspection, final test).
• Drive yield reviews; connect root cause analysis to clear improvement plans and execution.
• Collaborate with global suppliers and manufacturing partners; drive readiness, yield improvement, and quality performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (design, process, quality, supply chain) to ensure alignment across development and production.
• Apply structured problem-solving (8D, Six Sigma, PDCA) with statistical tools (SPC, GR& R, Fishbone, FMEA) to resolve technical issues.
• Use data analytics (JMP, Tableau, DOE) to identify trends, perform root cause analysis, and enable data-driven decisions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels; distill complex technical issues into actionable insights and drive alignment with stakeholders and executives.
• Conduct executive reviews, presenting manufacturing readiness, performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Capture and apply lessons learned to improve future designs and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Optical manufacturing

Coating processes

Global supplier management

Data analysis

JMP/Tableau

DOE

Cross-functional leadership

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Travel up to 25%

Education

BS in Engineering/Physics/Optics

MS in Engineering/Physics/Optics

Tools

JMP

Tableau

DOE

Job description

Technical Program Manager - Optical Components

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.As the Technical Program Manager for Optical Components, you will lead Apple multi-functional teams to develop and deliver core technologies that create new experiences for our customers. We act as a link between Apple Design and supplier manufacturing processes, focusing on the details that produce brilliant products through high-volume manufacturing. It is our responsibility to ensure that all technical risks associated with a product are identified and closed or mitigated to enable a successful ramp.

Description

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) with deep expertise in optical manufacturing and coating processes to lead the technical, operational, and quality aspects of product introduction—from early development through mass production. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on optics process knowledge, strong global supplier management experience, and exceptional cross-functional leadership to deliver world-class manufacturing performance. This role requires a strategic thinker who leverages data-driven insights to guide decisions, improve yield and efficiency, and align teams across engineering, operations, and quality functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead factory setup and optimization of optical manufacturing processes (molding, coating, inspection, final test).
• Drive yield reviews; connect root cause analysis to clear improvement plans and execution.
• Collaborate with global suppliers and manufacturing partners; drive readiness, yield improvement, and quality performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (design, process, quality, supply chain) to ensure alignment across development and production.
• Apply structured problem-solving (8D, Six Sigma, PDCA) with statistical tools (SPC, GR&R, Fishbone, FMEA) to resolve technical issues.
• Use data analytics (JMP, Tableau, DOE) to identify trends, perform root cause analysis, and enable data-driven decisions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels; distill complex technical issues into actionable insights and drive alignment with stakeholders and executives.
• Conduct executive reviews, presenting manufacturing readiness, performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Capture and apply lessons learned to improve future designs and manufacturing processes.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in optical manufacturing, coating, or related high-precision process industries.
• Experience working with global suppliers in high-volume production environments.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as JMP or Tableau, and with Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• Expertise in optical manufacturing processes, including molding, coating, inspection, and final testing.
• Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, PDCA, FMEA).
• Experience leading and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Experience presenting complex technical topics and performance metrics to stakeholders and executives.
• Ability to analyze data to identify trends, perform root cause analysis, and drive data-driven decisions.

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 $133,500 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.