Mechanical Engineer / Researcher - Failure Analysis & FEA (Wearable Devices)

At Apple, we create products that enrich lives, with wearables being central to this mission. We believe the best wearables are those that seamlessly blend into everyday life-functional, elegant, and simple. Join one of the core teams driving this vision forward! We are the Product System Quality team, and we are seeking a highly skilled Engineer/Researcher with strong expertise in Failure Analysis (FA), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and mixed method's research to support the validation of next-generation AirPods. You should have 2+ years of experience analyzing and optimizing mechanical performance, identifying root causes of failures, and generating actionable analysis to improve designs. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in product design, applied research, and human factors teams to ensure robust, high-quality devices that meet performance and safety standards. Come join our team!

Description As an FA Engineer on our multidisciplinary team, you are responsible for leading our efforts to dive deep into problems, identify failure mechanisms and trends, analyze data, and communicate actionable insights to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed failure analysis using experimental data, material characterization, and simulation correlation to identify root causes and recommend design improvements.
• Plan and run FEA simulations to evaluate structural performance, durability, and failure modes of wearable products during validation stages.
• Develop and refine head and ear models for fit, comfort, and load-distribution analysis.
• Collaborate with design, research and test engineering teams to translate findings into actionable design changes.
• Support test plan development for validation, ensuring that needed data is being collected to feed the models.
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and documentation of analysis to effectively communicate results to designers, engineers, researchers, and other partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of industry experience in FEA and failure analysis for consumer electronics, medical devices, or wearable technology.
• Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, COMSOL) and related pre/post-processing tools.
• Experience conducting structural analysis for complex geometries, assemblies, and material systems.
• Ability to present findings to multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Human Factors or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with head and/or ear analysis, anthropometric modeling, or comfort/fit assessment.
• Strong understanding of material behavior, fatigue, fracture mechanics, and structural reliability.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects independently, developing novel methodologies, performing complex data analysis, and making design recommendations.
• Ability to prepare well-crafted presentations that tell a story, communicate complex datasets, and are tailored to the appropriate audience.
• Familiarity with human factors engineering and ergonomic design principles.
• Hands-on experience with physical testing and correlation to simulation results.

Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .