Manufacturing Design Engineer; MDE - Microphone Tech Ops

Manufacturing Design Engineer (MDE) - Microphone Tech Ops

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States Operations and Supply Chain

Join Apple's Worldwide Operations team as a Manufacturing Design Engineer, where you'll pioneer the development and production of industry-leading MEMS microphone modules that power the world's most iconic products. In this high-impact role, you'll bridge innovation and manufacturing excellence, working at the intersection of cutting‑edge acoustic technology and world‑class operations. As the technical leader for microphone module manufacturing, you'll partner with global suppliers, cross‑functional engineering teams, and product development to transform breakthrough designs into flawlessly manufactured products at scale.

WHAT YOU'LL DOProcess Development & Innovation Design for Manufacturing Excellence:
Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to architect comprehensive manufacturing blueprints, including process flows, equipment specifications, validation protocols, and implementation roadmaps

Data-Driven Optimization:
Deploy Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Six Sigma methodologies to proactively identify risks, optimize process parameters, and achieve industry-leading yields

Continuous Improvement Engine:
Establish robust failure analysis frameworks for customer returns and production fallout, translating insights into actionable process improvements and preventive measures

Technical

Innovation: Drive process innovation initiatives that push the boundaries of MEMS microphone manufacturing capabilities

Program Leadership & Execution

NPI Technical Leadership:
Serve as the operational technical authority, communicating project readiness, identifying critical path risks, and driving resolution across all New Product Introduction phases

Cross-Functional Coordination:
Lead multi-disciplinary teams across Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to ensure seamless operational readiness from prototype through high-volume production

Issue Resolution:
Own technical and operational challenges related to materials, processes, and equipment during NPI, ensuring mature, production-ready processes at launch

Strategic Supplier Development Supplier

Qualification:

Evaluate and qualify manufacturing partners using rigorous assessments of production capability, quality management systems, and technical competency

Technical Partnership:
Provide strategic technical direction to suppliers, establishing and validating process capabilities using statistical process control (SPC) to meet Apple's exacting standards

Capability Building:
Mentor supplier engineering teams on Apple methodologies, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices

• BS/MS in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Science, or related field)
• 5-7+ years in development or manufacturing of consumer electronics products/components
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and statistical methods
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder technical programs in global matrix organizations
• Self-directed problem-solver who thrives with minimal supervision and drives results through influence
• Flexibility for off‑hours communication with global teams across time zones
• International travel 20-30%

• Semiconductor Assembly
  
  Experience:
  
  Hands‑on experience with die attach, wire bonding, flip chip, SMT, or other advanced packaging technologies
• Supplier Network:
  Established relationships with the Global electronics manufacturing ecosystem

The base pay range for this role is between $157,200 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 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:
Compreh…