Material Characterization Engineer, Packaging Product Design

Role Number:
Team:
Hardware

Location:

Cupertino Posted:
Summary When was the last time you enjoyed a box as much as the product inside? At Apple, every customer interaction is an opportunity for surprise and delight! This philosophy extends beyond the product to its packaging, where every detail is thoughtfully considered.

The Packaging Product Design team is a diverse group of people responsible for the design and execution of structural packaging for every Apple product, shipped to customers around the world. Our packaging delivers an outstanding unboxing experience, protects products throughout the shipping environment, and advances Apple's sustainability goals. We collaborate with a wide range of teams, including Industrial Design, Marketing, Environmental, and Operations, throughout the design process.

Description We are seeking people who approach problem-solving with passion, creativity, and curiosity. Apple's approach to packaging is unique, so we value people who are eager to learn and further develop their knowledge of packaging design, manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials. We welcome fresh perspectives from outside the standard packaging industry to drive  this role, you will build the link between material properties and how our packaging performs.

You will identify and bring focus to the material properties that drive critical performance, test materials and parts to failure to measure true design margin, and turn the results into models and specifications that help teams focus early on what matters most. Our core material areas are fiber-based materials, adhesives, and coatings.

Minimum Qualifications BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with strong materials science knowledge6+ years of relevant industry experience

Solid knowledge of materials science fundamentals, including how processing and structure drive properties and performance, with hands-on experience in mechanical and physical material testing and failure analysis

Proficiency in trial design and statistical analysis using JMP or equivalent statistical software

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present technical details succinctly in a team-based environment

Ability to travel up to 20%, including internationally

Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Fiber Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Experience with fiber-based materials, adhesives, or coatings

Experience with accelerated aging methods and packaging test standards such as ASTM, TAPPI, and ISTAWorking knowledge of analytical techniques to characterize materials (e.g., SEM, FTIR, and DSC)
Advanced data analysis and modeling skills (e.g., regression, machine learning) using tools such as Python or MATLAB, and exposure to finite element analysis (e.g., Abaqus)
Pay & Benefits 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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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…