Environmental Innovation SME - Carbon, Chemistry, and Circularity Innovation (3Ci)

Apple • Cupertino, CA

13d

About The Position

Apple's Environment & Supply Chain Innovation team is seeking an Environmental Innovation SME to drive its growing portfolio of 3Ci projects — spanning novel material chemistries, low-carbon manufacturing processes, supplier technology development, and circular material supply chains. The person in this seat will be Apple's forward scout on technically complex problems that don't yet have a clear owner, framework, or obvious path. They are capable of driving discussions deep in the subject matter expertise with scientists, engineers, and suppliers — and convert ambiguous opportunities into structured initiatives with clear owners, timelines, and drive these initiatives to scale. Critically, this role is designed to flex. When the portfolio demands it, this person will step into commercial engagement — leading supplier negotiations, applying should-cost analysis on emerging technologies, and providing the commercial rigor needed to advance 3Ci programs at scale. The ideal candidate is as comfortable in a deeply technical conversation about chemistry topics as they are in discussion as they are in a commercial negotiation. The role will collaborate across Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and external suppliers and research partners. It requires someone who is equally energized by deep technical work and by the operational and commercial challenges of bringing that work to market.

Requirements

• BS/BA in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
• MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline
• 7+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering, procurement, or supply chain roles
• Commercial acumen — experience with supplier negotiations, should-cost modeling, and competitive sourcing strategies
• Experience engaging directly with R&D teams, scientists, or advanced manufacturing suppliers on technically complex projects

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record driving initiatives from early-stage ambiguity through to structured execution and measurable outcomes
• Familiarity with circular supply chain challenges, including low-carbon materials, recycled or renewable materials, or novel chemical processes
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesize complex technical and commercial findings for senior leaders
• Exceptionally adaptable — intellectually curious, with a demonstrated hunger to learn new domains quickly and apply knowledge across contexts
• Systems thinker who can identify key leverage points across complex, interconnected supply chains and technical portfolios
• Ability to define and drive multi-year project roadmaps, establishing yearly targets and identifying opportunities to accelerate
• Comfortable making sound decisions with incomplete information
• Self-starter with high integrity, sharp attention to detail, and passion for Apple's environmental mission.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10–20%)
• MBA a plus

Responsibilities

• Drive Apple's growing portfolio of 3Ci projects, including novel material chemistries, low-carbon manufacturing processes, supplier technology development, and circular material supply chains.
• Act as a forward scout for technically complex problems without clear ownership or path.
• Drive deep subject matter expertise discussions with scientists, engineers, and suppliers.
• Convert ambiguous opportunities into structured initiatives with clear owners and timelines.
• Drive initiatives to scale.
• Step into commercial engagement when needed, including leading supplier negotiations and applying should-cost analysis on emerging technologies.
• Provide commercial rigor to advance 3Ci programs at scale.
• Collaborate across Operations, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and external suppliers and research partners.
• Bring deep technical work and operational/commercial challenges to market.

What This Job Offers

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