Flex DFM Engineer

As a Flex DFM Engineer, you'll partner with Apple Product Design and Hardware Engineering to design Flex PCBs and lead the evaluation/implementation of end-to-end fabrication and assembly solutions. You will ensure our manufacturing solutions meet our product quality, cost, yield, capacity, schedule, and environmental goals.

Our team possesses deep knowledge of the Flex fabrication processes and raw materials. We maintain Apple's general design guidelines and product specifications for Flex PCBs, as well as the technology development roadmap.

Provide expert level support to teams designing flex PCBs to bring designs from concept to mass production while ensuring manufacturability
Review vendor technical feedback, considering their specific capabilities, to direct Apple Product Design in implementing appropriate solutions
Develop best-in-class qualification plans and procedures to qualify vendor manufacturing lines and sites
Analyze defects and lead automation and particle reduction activities
Optimize manufacturing processes to meet Apple quality, reliability, and throughput requirements

B.S./M.S. degree in Chemical, Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical or related fields with 5+ years of research, process or product development experience in an applicable field
Experience selecting materials and manufacturing processes based on engineering requirements in a professional environment
Established capability in statistical data analysis, including DOE and SPC
Manage multiple assignments simultaneously with a detail-oriented focus on documentation, organization, and the establishment of critical milestones
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated leadership ability
Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate technical detail to others with varying levels of technical expertise across diverse professional backgrounds
Drive technical leadership at global supplier sites during NPI and production ramps; travel internationally to ensure operational excellence by identifying process gaps and implementing timely resolutions
Willingness to participate in communication with overseas team members at irregular hours and international business travel to support project implementation and collaborate with external vendors as necessary (~30%)

Ph.D. degree in Chemical, Materials Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering with research or process development in flexible electronics or semiconductor fabrication
Knowledge of industry specifications for Flex and/or Rigid PCBs and assemblies
A proven understanding of the link between Flex PCB design rules, industry capabilities, and the specific processes required to meet performance benchmarks
Experience in failure mode analysis, root cause investigation, and problem solving for product yield and quality issues as well as driving corrective actions

Demonstrated knowledge of cause and effect relationship between manufacturing practices and defect modes in flexible printed circuitsFlex PCB and assemblies.
Familiarity with PCB surface mount assembly of flexible circuits including standard methodologies for material and tooling selection as well as component footprint design rules.
Firsthand experience with backend processes and tooling design for flexible printed circuitFlex PCB assemblies including punching, bending, and attachment of stiffeners and adhesives.
Experience with failure analysis techniques like EDX, SEM, FTIR, etc.
Experience with Allegro, Valor, NX8, 3D CAD, and JMP

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. Apple products are as alluring on the inside as they are on the outside. Inside every one of our products are some of the world's most challenging consumer Flexible printed circuit boards (Flex PCBs) and PCBA designs. In this highly visible role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Apple products by bringing designs from concept to mass production, leaving a footprint for years to come across various business units.

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 $141,800 and $213,700, 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.