Brittles Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Apple

About The Position

We are seeking an outstanding and highly specialized Brittles Manufacturing Quality Engineer to be a leader within our supply chain. You will embody this philosophy by moving beyond traditional quality control to fundamentally de-risk and enable the future of manufacturing. This role is critical in driving the quality and reliability of advanced brittle materials and components (e.g., ceramics, advanced glasses, crystalline structures) at mass production scale. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert who combines deep materials science knowledge with data-driven analytical skills to solve complex manufacturing challenges, ensuring products meet the most ambitious quality standards.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Ceramics Engineering, Geology (with materials focus), or a closely related field.
Expertise in the structure-property-processing relationships of brittle materials (e.g., ceramics, glasses, inter-metallics, certain composites).
Hands-on experience with Failure Analysis (FA) and characterization tools including FTIR, SEM, and TEM. Ability to interpret data to diagnose material failures.
Strong skills in applying statistical analysis, data modeling, and computational methods to materials problems. Ability to use data to predict behavior and optimize processes.
Fluent English speaker with outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to diverse audiences.
Excellent initiative, demonstrated problem-solving prowess in a research or project setting, and the ability to lead and influence.
Proven hands-on experience in a quality or manufacturing engineering role within a high-volume, precision manufacturing environment.
Experience in the processing, finishing, or quality control of brittle materials in an industrial or advanced research setting.
Project management experience with a solid understanding of problem-solving tools (e.g., Design of Experiments, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Statistical Process Control).
Knowledge of quality/reliability concepts, supplier management, and manufacturing operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mechanical enclosures, injection molding, tooling, jigs, fixtures, or automotive high-volume manufacturing is a plus.
An MBA or management certification.

Responsibilities

Partner with Hardware Engineering Team, Product Design teams in the early concept phases (N+1 / N+2 products) to conduct advanced quality, process, and design assessments for new brittle materials and components. Develop a comprehensive mass production (MP) scaling and quality plan based on early assessments to de-risk high-volume launch.
Act as the Quality Engineering lead for assigned programs, managing all quality functions and serving as the project manager for quality initiatives at supplier locations.
Partner with global teams (Design, Process Engineering, Supplier Management) to evaluate product designs and manufacturing processes for brittle materials during the concept and development phases.
Develop and implement measurement technologies, control strategies, and quality inspection tools for evaluating the structural integrity, cosmetic, and dimensional characteristics of brittle parts.
Design and validate specialized test methods and gauges for brittle material properties. Compile and analyze data to establish precise process and part specifications.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for material failures and quality issues, applying problem-solving tools and leading multi-functional and supplier teams.
Develop manufacturing methods and information systems that achieve unparalleled quality targets for brittle components while enabling scalable, high-yield production.
Establish and implement audit procedures to ensure consistent adherence to quality standards at supplier facilities.
Evaluate, communicate, and improve production yields for new and existing processes involving brittle materials.
Work closely with internal and external groups to define quality expectations and implement appropriate assurance techniques throughout the supply chain.