The Product Design Engineering Program Manager plays a pivotal role in bringing Apple’s next-generation hardware to life. You will lead the technical execution of complex integrated consumer electronics—driving clarity from ambiguity, aligning large cross-functional engineering teams, and ensuring we deliver innovative products with exceptional quality and speed. In this role, you will architect and manage the full development plan, guide teams through rapid engineering iterations, and balance competing priorities across design, engineering, validation, and manufacturing. You will dive deep into technical details, synthesize risks and trade-offs, and keep the program on track through creative problem solving and rigorous execution. This is a highly collaborative and influential role where you will be at the center of the product development process—enabling breakthrough designs, coordinating seamless cross-functional communication, and driving the decisions that move the product forward. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love solving hard engineering challenges, and enjoy leading teams toward bold goals, this is your opportunity to shape the future of Apple hardware.
Description
Shape early product definition by guiding architecture choices, framing technical direction, and aligning cross-functional teams on clear objectives.
Own the end-to-end program strategy by defining feature baselines, schedules, budgets, critical paths, and technology risks from concept through launch.
Surface critical technical risks and partner with engineering leaders to develop mitigation plans and inform key trade-offs.
Lead efficient resolution of complex engineering challenges by enabling data-driven decisions and ensuring timely convergence across stakeholders.
Drive drawing releases, tooling decisions, and vendor engagement to ensure manufacturing readiness and alignment with build milestones.
Oversee prototype build planning and execution in partnership with OEMs, factory teams, and engineering groups to validate design intent and unblock integration issues.
Communicate program updates with clarity and precision—distilling technical details into actionable insights for executive and cross-functional audiences.
Foster strong partnerships across Product Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, Marketing, and external vendors to ensure seamless program execution.
Provide steady leadership through ambiguity—maintaining focus, driving accountability, and guiding the program toward ambitious product goals.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
Prior experience (ideally 2–5 years) in program management or mechanical engineering for rapid-development consumer products with high-aesthetic mechanical components.
Strong technical foundation in mechanical design and manufacturing processes.
Preferred Qualifications
Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills; ability to inspire teams and tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
Self-motivated and proactive, with demonstrated creative problem solving and strong critical-thinking abilities.
Demonstrated resilience and flexibility amidst ambiguity and changing direction.
Deep understanding of product development and manufacturing processes, with solid mechanical engineering fundamentals. Experience with metal stamping, forging, machining (CNC), die casting, plastic injection molding, and metal injection molding (MIM) is highly desirable.
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage complex designs and technical strategies effectively.
Experience delivering products that combine multiple materials and demand high aesthetic quality.
Experience collaborating across diverse cross-functional teams including Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, and Marketing.
Eeo Content
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.
