Manufacturing Automation & DFM Engineer SMT / PCBA

As a Manufacturing Automation & DFM Engineer at Apple, you will play a crucial role in enabling robust, scalable, and data-driven SMT/PCBA manufacturing processes. Your responsibilities will involve collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and factory operations to support NPI, equipment development, and high-volume manufacturing while ensuring quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met. Key Responsibilities: - Lead and support DFM reviews, build readiness assessments, and manufacturing risk evaluations across NPI and sustaining programs - Develop a deep understanding of SMT/SMA processes, factory operations, manufacturing metrics, and lean manufacturing principles - Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to collect process data, conduct capability studies (Cp/Cpk), yield analysis, and DOE-based experiments - Drive automation strategy, equipment evaluation, and machine DFM reviews in alignment with manufacturing and Apple quality standards - Support equipment development, qualification, and ramp activities for SMT, assembly, and test automation systems - Qualify and onboard new OEMs and vendors to enhance supply chain capability and diversification - Identify, evaluate, and document new materials, manufacturing processes, assembly technologies, and emerging automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency - Develop and maintain data analysis and visualization dashboards to facilitate design, process optimization, and decision-making - Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, FMEA, Fishbone, 5-Why, Kaizen) to failure analysis and continuous improvement initiatives - Work closely with factory teams to ensure adherence to process controls, equipment standards, and quality metrics during volume manufacturing Qualifications Required: - Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, or a related discipline - 5+ years of hands-on industrial experience in SMT/PCBA manufacturing, automation, or high-volume electronics manufacturing - Strong knowledge of SMT processes, equipment, and factory automation systems - Solid fundamentals in mechanical design, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and engineering drawings - Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, molding, stamping, and casting - Working knowledge of data analysis tools (Excel required; Python, Minitab, or JMP preferred) - Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier sites 60% At Apple, the belief in accessibility as a fundamental human right is reflected in the culture, benefits, and digital tools. By embracing diverse perspectives, Apple helps you build a career where you feel a sense of belonging. As a Manufacturing Automation & DFM Engineer at Apple, you will play a crucial role in enabling robust, scalable, and data-driven SMT/PCBA manufacturing processes. Your responsibilities will involve collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, suppliers, and factory operations to support NPI, equipment development, and high-volume manufacturing while ensuring quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met. Key Responsibilities: - Lead and support DFM reviews, build readiness assessments, and manufacturing risk evaluations across NPI and sustaining programs - Develop a deep understanding of SMT/SMA processes, factory operations, manufacturing metrics, and lean manufacturing principles - Collaborate with suppliers and internal engineering teams to collect process data, conduct capability studies (Cp/Cpk), yield analysis, and DOE-based experiments - Drive automation strategy, equipment evaluation, and machine DFM reviews in alignment with manufacturing and Apple quality standards - Support equipment development, qualification, and ramp activities for SMT, assembly, and test automation systems - Qualify and onboard new OEMs and vendors to enhance supply chain capability and diversification - Identify, evaluate, and document new materials, manufacturing processes, assembly technologies, and emerging automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency - Develop and maintain data analysis and visualization dashboards to facilitate design, process optimization, and decision-making - Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, FMEA, Fishbone, 5-Why, Kaizen) to failure analysis and continuous improvement initiatives - Work closely with factory teams to ensure adherence to process controls, equipment standards, and quality metrics during volume manufacturing Qualifications Required: - Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, or a related discipline - 5+ years of hands-on industrial experience in SMT/PCBA manufacturing, automation, or high-volume electronics manufacturing - Strong knowledge of SMT processes, equipment, and factory automation systems - Solid fundamentals in mechanical design, GD&T, tolerance analys