Product Design Lab Engineer

Own end-to-end build-out, commissioning, and daily operation of a new Product Design lab in Sunnyvale.

Responsibilities

• Lead build-out, commissioning, and daily operation of a new Product Design lab; translate design concepts into an executable build path.
• Machine and fabricate urgent prototype parts on-site using primarily CNC and manual equipment; perform dimensional inspection to qualify parts.
• Route heavier fabrication and specialized characterization to internal shops, peer labs, and external vendors.
• Manage the full lab request lifecycle from intake through delivery, while keeping the lab safe, calibrated, and audit-ready.
• Build prototype parts on-site using CNC milling, manual machine tools, and 3D printing, including programming, setup, fixturing, and tooling selection.
• Shape the lab facility during construction: layout, utilities, and equipment strategy; specify, source, install, and commission required equipment to bring it online.
• Own ongoing lab management and maintenance: preventive maintenance, calibration schedules, tooling and consumables, spares, service contracts, and equipment upgrades as capabilities evolve.
• Partner with Product Design engineers on build strategy and iteration; convert concepts and requirements into manufacturable execution.
• Scope build needs and coordinate heavier fabrication with internal shops, peer labs, or external vendors, including relationships, quotes, and timelines.
• Perform routine dimensional inspection and measurement; determine when deeper metrology or material characterization should be escalated to specialized resources.
• Own request intake, prioritization, scheduling, and delivery; resolve on-site work and route only what requires specialized teams.
• Maintain a safe, audit-ready lab environment, including environmental health and safety compliance, training, and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on CNC machining experience, including setup, fixturing, tooling selection, and producing finished parts to drawing requirements.
• Experience owning the operation and upkeep of a prototyping, R&D, engineering lab, or machine shop, including equipment maintenance, calibration, and safety.
• Hands-on experience across mechanical, electrical, and test work in a prototyping or R&D environment.
• Experience performing dimensional inspection and measurement, and interpreting drawings, tolerances, and GD&T.
• Experience scoping and specifying machined parts and working with internal or external fabrication suppliers.
• Ability to work on-site in a lab environment, including lifting and moving up to 25 lbs and safely operating lab equipment, with occasional schedule flexibility around build and bring-up milestones.

Technologies

• CNC milling
• manual machine tools
• 3D printing
• CNC mill
• laser cutters

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Range of discounted products and free services
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses (including tuition) for formal education related to advancing your career
• Opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs
• Discretionary restricted stock unit awards eligibility
• Option to purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments (as applicable)
• Relocation (as applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, standing up, expanding, or significantly reconfiguring a lab, cleanroom, or machine shop, including layout, utility and infrastructure requirements, equipment selection, installation, and commissioning.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of 3D printers and laser cutters.
• Depth in CNC machining and CAM, including multi-axis work, difficult materials, tight-tolerance features, or process development for prototype parts.
• Complementary fabrication skills such as sheet metal, welding, or precision finishing.
• Track record working as an embedded engineering partner, engaging with the engineering problem behind a request rather than fulfilling it as written.
• Experience owning environmental health and safety compliance, calibration programs, or audit readiness for a technical space.
• Strong vendor and supplier management skills, including quoting, scheduling, and quality follow-through.
• Experience in metrology and GD&T.
• Self-directed and highly organized, with judgment to work independently as the sole on-site owner and escalate to a remote peer network when appropriate.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (onsite). Salary: USD 123,739 - 218,000 per yearly.