Technical Program Manager - VPG

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 163,500 - 293,900; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a Technical Program Manager to drive new product introduction in the Vision Products Group. You will collaborate with design, quality, test, and global supply to mature manufacturing processes from first build to mass production.

You will analyze production data, provide DFA feedback, and lead cross-functional teams to optimize processes, with travel up to 25% and a focus on achievable manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience in a technical role within operations, manufacturing, or engineering.
• Direct experience bringing a product to production.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and quality processes, with the ability to reason from first principles about how a process behaves and potential risks.
• Experience using statistical and data analysis tools to inform decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause and failure analysis, and the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Sound communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Work within the new product introduction team, alongside design, quality, test, and global supply managers, to deliver top-quality products and drive precision into every stage of the process.
• Own technical operational functions across manufacturing, including process design, assembly, automation, test, and yield, and lead factory setup for your areas of responsibility.
• Provide Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback to cross‑functional partners, weighing manufacturing trade-offs to make the product easier to build without compromising quality.
• Bring up scalable, sustainable, high‑volume production processes and shepherd them from prototype through ramp.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify issues, lead root cause and failure analysis with cross‑functional partners, and drive the corrective actions that resolve them.
• Look beyond your immediate assignments to identify process and operational improvements that benefit the wider organization, and carry them through to adoption.
• Prepare and deliver status reporting and presentations to leadership, including executive audiences.
• Travel as needed to support builds at manufacturing sites, up to 25 percent.

Skills

Manufacturing knowledge

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

BS in engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Operations and Supply Chain

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, we believe new ideas have a way of becoming phenomenal products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. We don't just create products, we create the kind of wonder that has revolutionized entire industries. It is the diversity of our 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

Product Operations is looking for a Technical Program Manager to help bring groundbreaking products to life within the Vision Products Group. You will join the new product introduction team and partner with cross‑functional groups across design, quality, test, and global supply to mature the manufacturing process and drive operational excellence from first build through mass production. This is a role for someone who understands the trade‑offs between how a product is designed and how it is built, who can turn production data into decisions, and who can influence technical direction across partners and manufacturing sites, often without formal authority and often from a distance. As you grow in the role, you will look beyond your immediate assignments to shape improvements that benefit the wider organization.

Responsibilities

• Work within the new product introduction team, alongside design, quality, test, and global supply managers, to deliver top-quality products and drive precision into every stage of the process.
• Own technical operational functions across manufacturing, including process design, assembly, automation, test, and yield, and lead factory setup for your areas of responsibility.
• Provide Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback to cross‑functional partners, weighing manufacturing trade‑offs to make the product easier to build without compromising quality.
• Bring up scalable, sustainable, high‑volume production processes and shepherd them from prototype through ramp.
• Analyze production and quality data to identify issues, lead root cause and failure analysis with cross‑functional partners, and drive the corrective actions that resolve them.
• Look beyond your immediate assignments to identify process and operational improvements that benefit the wider organization, and carry them through to adoption.
• Prepare and deliver status reporting and presentations to leadership, including executive audiences.
• Travel as needed to support builds at manufacturing sites, up to 25 percent.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience in a technical role within operations, manufacturing, or engineering.
• Direct experience bringing a product to production.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and quality processes, with the ability to reason from first principles about how a process behaves and potential risks.
• Experience using statistical and data analysis tools to inform decisions.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, including root cause and failure analysis, and the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Sound communication and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in an engineering field or an MBA.
• Depth of experience in technical operations or new product introduction, typically demonstrated over 10+ or more years.
• Track record of introducing new products to manufacturing and ramping electronics or complex assemblies into high‑volume production.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical decisions and drive cross‑functional teams to difficult calls without formal authority, including aligning partners remotely across sites and time zones.
• Track record of identifying process or operational improvements beyond assigned scope and driving them to adoption.
• Experience with precision assembly, optics, consumer electronics, or AR/VR products. Experience ramping complex products in adjacent industries such as medical devices, aerospace, or industrial products is equally valued.
• Proven ability to communicate progress and risk to senior leadership, often at the VP level or above.

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 $293,900, 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.