Engineering Program Manager- SoftGoods

Apple • Cupertino, CA

2d

About The Position

Apple’s SoftGoods Engineering team develops products using textiles, silicone, soft polymers, and magnets, applying Apple engineering and precision to soft-material products. The Engineering Program Manager will work cross-functionally with the Softgoods Product Design Team to drive day-to-day program activities and meet objectives for mechanical design, development, and engineering validation.

The role is responsible for creating and maintaining project schedules, assessing and mitigating risk, managing the critical path, monitoring the development plan, and driving timely issue resolution. The manager will lead team meetings, document and follow up on action items, and communicate development and schedule status to senior management. The position coordinates with Product Design, Industrial Design, Operations, Reliability, and other teams; brings partners together to resolve technical issues and support decisions; and works closely with manufacturing suppliers and OEM partners. The role requires up to 20% international travel to support manufacturing builds in Asia.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent project management experience.
• Project management experience related to developing computer accessories or related consumer products.
• Experience working closely with product design and cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and communicate risk.
• Experience creating schedules, managing program finances, and tracking budgets.
• Experience fostering relationships with manufacturing suppliers and coordinating development builds.
• Analytical approach, professional assertiveness, and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and executive-level presentation skills.
• A deeply curious mindset about new ideas.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a practicing mechanical engineer or in a related product development role before becoming a project manager.
• Experience working with industrial designers or similarly creative product developers.
• Prior experience with soft goods materials and processes, including synthetics and textiles.
• Prior experience traveling internationally to work closely with manufacturing suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Drive day-to-day program activities to meet objectives for mechanical design, development, and engineering validation.
• Build and maintain project schedules, assess and mitigate risk, and manage the program critical path.
• Craft and monitor a streamlined development plan and drive timely issue resolution.
• Lead cross-functional teams through clear communication and diligent oversight.
• Lead team meetings, document action items, and drive follow-up.
• Communicate development and schedule status to senior management.
• Coordinate with Product Design, Industrial Design, Operations, Reliability, and other cross-functional teams.
• Bring key partners together to understand and resolve technical issues and facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.
• Build relationships across teams and work closely with manufacturing suppliers and OEM partners.
• Travel internationally, up to 20%, to support manufacturing builds in Asia.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level