Technical Program Manager - Optical Components

Summary

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.

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.

• Lead the factory setup, qualification, and optimization of optical manufacturing processes, including glass forming, coating, handling, and testing.
• Drive yield review and connect root cause analysis and improvement plan.
• Collaborate with global suppliers and manufacturing partners, driving supplier readiness, yield improvement, and quality performance.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (design, process, quality, supply chain) to ensure alignment throughout the product development and production lifecycle.
• Demonstrated competency in applying quality methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, or PDCA to solve technical challenges.
• Practical experience in statistical analysis and formal problem solving tools (SPC, GR&R, Fishbone diagrams, FMEA, etc.).
• Use data analytics and statistical tools (e.g., JMP, Tableau, DOE) to identify trends, perform root cause analyses, and support data‑based decision‑making.
• Conduct executive‑level reviews, presenting manufacturing readiness, performance metrics, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Capture and apply lessons learned to improve future product designs and manufacturing processes.
• International travel up to 25%.

• 5+ years of experience in optical manufacturing, coating, or related high‑precision process industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering discipline.

• Advanced Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field.
• Proven track record managing and collaborating with global suppliers in high‑volume production environments.
• Strong ability to influence and drive alignment across cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated data‑driven decision‑making skills and proficiency with tools such as JMP, Tableau, and DOE.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical and operational topics to executives and cross‑functional teams.

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 $128,400 and $236,700, 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…