Rapid Prototyping Engineer Jobs

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Product Design Lab Engineer

Apple Sunnyvale, CA

Sunnyvale, CA

Today

$124k - $218k/yr Full time Additive Manufacturing Cnc Milling Design

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Job Description

As a Product Design Lab Engineer, you will lead the end-to-end build-out, commissioning, and day-to-day operation of a new Product Design lab for Apple in Sunnyvale, CA. The role covers on-site prototyping work, dimensional inspection, equipment strategy, and operating the lab as a safe, calibrated, audit-ready environment.

Key Responsibilities

Own the build-out, commissioning, and daily operation of a new Product Design lab, serving as an engineering partner who translates design concepts into an effective build path.
Machine and fabricate urgent parts on-site, primarily using CNC and manual equipment, and perform dimensional inspection to qualify produced components.
Route heavier fabrication and specialized characterization to internal shops, peer labs, and external vendors.
Manage the complete lab request workflow, from intake through delivery, while maintaining safety, calibration, and audit readiness.
Machine, fabricate, and assemble prototype parts on-site using CNC milling, manual machine tools, 3D printing, and other rapid-prototyping equipment, including programming, setup, fixturing, and tooling selection.
Plan and shape the lab facility during construction, including layout, utilities, and equipment strategy; then specify, source, install, and commission the equipment required to bring the lab online.
Own ongoing lab management and maintenance, including preventive maintenance, calibration schedules, tooling and consumables, spares, service contracts, and equipment upgrades.
Partner with Product Design engineers on build strategy and iteration, translating concepts and requirements into practical, manufacturable build approaches.
Scope build needs and coordinate routing of heavier work to internal shops, peer labs, or external vendors, managing relationships, quotes, and timelines.
Perform routine dimensional inspection and measurement, determining when deeper metrology or material characterization should be handled by specialized resources.
Own intake, prioritization, scheduling, and delivery of all lab requests, resolving what can be completed on-site and escalating only work requiring specialized teams.
Maintain a safe, audit-ready lab environment, including environmental health and safety compliance, training, and documentation.

Required Qualifications

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 specifications.
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, with ability to interpret 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

Compensation and Location

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

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 of working as an embedded engineering partner, engaging with the underlying engineering problem rather than fulfilling work 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, highly organized approach with the judgment to work independently as the sole on-site owner and escalate to a remote peer network when appropriate.

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