Manufacturing AI Application Engineer

Apple

2d

About The Position

As a Manufacturing AI Application Engineer with the Manufacturing Systems and Infrastructure team, you will serve as a subject-matter expert in edge AI deployment and industrial hardware integration. You will drive the design and development of high-performance, AI-integrated test stations that power our global factory floors — leveraging machine learning, computer vision, and industrial communication protocols to support manufacturing infrastructure at scale. You will own complex, cross-functional initiatives end-to-end — from architecture and design through New Product Introduction ramp-up and post-deployment reliability — while setting engineering standards and best practices for the team.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Software Engineering is required.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in manufacturing software development, factory automation, or industrial IoT systems.
• Adept at utilizing GenAI platforms to drive process improvements, analyze data, and accelerate project delivery
• Strong proficiency in Python (specifically for ML/AI integration), Embedded C/C++, Perl, Ruby, and Shell Scripting (Bash).
• Proficient in leveraging Generative AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor) to accelerate development, refactor code, and streamline debugging used for hardware control, automation, and AI model integration.
• Excellent working knowledge of industrial communication and networking protocols (TCP/IP, MQTT, RS232, UART).
• Hands-on experience deploying machine learning models, specifically computer vision/inspection models, to edge hardware in real-time environments.
• Proven experience developing systems that interfaces directly with physical hardware, sensors, test instruments, or robotics.
• Exceptional ability to debug complex, multi-disciplinary systems (where systems, networking, and physical mechanics intersect) on a live manufacturing line.
• Experience working across global manufacturing sites, including direct floor-level engagement with production lines
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit, excellent time management, and the strong written/verbal communication skills necessary to explain complex technical trade-offs.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in performance management and team development, fostering a culture that embraces new technologies and AI adoption.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop the core systems that runs on physical manufacturing test stations, seamlessly integrating AI models, UI/UX for factory operators, and hardware control logic.
• Deploy and optimize machine learning models and computer vision algorithms directly onto edge devices (e.g., Mac minis, industrial PCs) to automate visual inspection, fault detection, and functional testing.
• Develop robust systems to control and communicate with physical test fixtures, sensors, PLCs, and industrial automation equipment using standard protocols (RS232, UART, TCP/IP).
• Lead the rollout and scaling of these intelligent test systems across regional factories, ensuring smooth integration with the existing factory network and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Data collection systems.
• Act as the technical lead during New Product Introductions, debugging complex integration issues between the AI Tools, the edge hardware, and the physical test fixtures during the ramp-up phase.
• Utilize data analytics and AI-driven insights from the test stations to optimize test sequences, reduce cycle times, and identify root causes of manufacturing defects.
• Partner with global AI development teams, hardware engineers, and regional factory operations to translate complex test requirements into robust, deployable solutions.

What This Job Offers

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