Prototyping and Fabrication Manager

Apple • Sunnyvale, CA

5d

About The Position

Shape the future of Apple’s hardware products! The Applied Research and
Characterization team combines expertise in mechanical engineering, human
factors, biomechanics, data analysis, statistics, software, and fabrication. We
deliver data-backed insights for design decisions across Apple's entire hardware
portfolio, directly influencing products launched worldwide. You'll have access
to cutting-edge equipment and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts across
our global sites. Few teams offer this breadth of impact combined with
world-class resources. We are looking for an experienced leader to manage a
small, high-impact fabrication lab that builds prototypes and tooling for
interdisciplinary applied research, FEA validation, and characterization. As the
manager of this team you will lead a group of skilled makers, steward a broad
and evolving set of equipment and capabilities, and serve as a key connector
between research initiatives and prototyping possibilities. Your combination of
technical credibility and people leadership will open doors for bold
experimentation early in the hardware development cycle, influencing products
used by millions.

DESCRIPTION

In this role, you will both lead day-to-day operations and engage in
longer-horizon planning for a fabrication lab dedicated to research prototypes.
You will manage a small but diverse team of fabrication specialists, oversee lab
safety and equipment readiness, and work closely with research leads, designers,
and engineers to ensure the lab is meeting the evolving needs of product teams.
You will help your team develop their careers, foster a culture of creative
problem-solving, and build collaborative relationships that allow researchers
and engineers to think of the lab as a true partner rather than a service
provider.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years leading a fabrication, prototyping, or manufacturing team
• Excellent communication skills, ability to clearly articulate complex ideas in written reports, verbal presentations, and impromptu whiteboard sessions
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with multiple fabrication methods, and ability to learn, absorb, and master new fabrication techniques Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with cross-functional stakeholders
• Ability to navigate ambiguity in early-stage product development

Nice To Haves

• 3+ years of experience managing a fabrication, prototyping, or manufacturing team, with direct hands-on technical credibility as a model maker
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, or a related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Experience fabricating prototypes for wearable, body-worn, or human-factors applications
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, laser prototyping capabilities
• Experience evaluating and incubating emerging fabrication technologies to innovate on lab capabilities

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations
• Engage in longer-horizon planning for a fabrication lab dedicated to research prototypes
• Manage a small but diverse team of fabrication specialists
• Oversee lab safety and equipment readiness
• Work closely with research leads, designers, and engineers to ensure the lab is meeting the evolving needs of product teams
• Help your team develop their careers
• Foster a culture of creative problem-solving
• Build collaborative relationships that allow researchers and engineers to think of the lab as a true partner rather than a service provider

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees