Hardware Reliability Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

At Apple, we don’t just follow industry standards—we push beyond them. We value creative problem‑solving, dynamic thinking, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technical challenges. If you’re excited about tackling tough problems and shaping the future of amazing products, we’d love to have you on board! In this role, you’ll collaborate with diverse hardware teams to ensure our products are not only durable and reliable, but also built to exceed expectations.

From early concepts to field returns, you’ll lead cross‑functional teams, design innovative reliability tests, and drive continuous product improvements.

As a Hardware Reliability Engineer, you'll be responsible for identifying high‑risk failure modes early in the design process and working closely with design engineering teams to reduce those risks. You'll create new reliability tests based on the physics of failure and anticipated user behaviour, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards. You'll also develop and deliver critical test equipment and specifications, and collaborate with vendors to meet testing deadlines.

Additionally, you'll support failure analysis efforts, offering design recommendations based on your evaluation of test data to drive continuous product improvements.

• A deep understanding of material and device properties (mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal) and the underlying physics
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and clear reporting, providing design risk assessments and guiding product improvements
• Strong theoretical knowledge in physical failure analysis techniques, such as SEM/EDX/X‑Ray and other characterization techniques
• Proven ability to develop new reliability test procedures, create detailed test plans, and analyze results to assess design risks

• Preparing concise and detailed reliability test plans to characterize the material and design reliability
• Performing FMEA (Failure mode effect and analysis) for material selection change, material process change, system design change, etc
• Developing new reliability tests and specifications for material and system testing
• Analyzing experimental data to provide in‑depth understanding of material properties and design features
• Researching state‑of‑the‑art technology to understand root causes of test failures using material fundamentals and solid‑state physics knowledge
• Working with cross‑functional team on implementing mitigations for failures, including material selection change, material process change, system design change, etc
• Providing design directions for multi‑functional teams to improve product reliability

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related fields)
• Minimum of 3+ years of Engineering experience
• Collaborative attitude and ability to cross‑functionally work effectively
• Good written and verbal English communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate through email, Web Ex, and phone
• Ability to make clear and concise slides and presentations through Keynote, Excel, etc.
• Strong attention to detail and curiosity of how technologies work

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent field
• Statistical experience such as Weibull, JMP, or familiarity with accelerated test models
• Familiar with Failure Analysis techniques (Optical Microscopy, X‑ray/CT, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, etc.), and the ability to use failure analysis methodology to derive a root cause of failure
• Ability to travel internationally without restriction

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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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…