Apple

Hardware Reliability Engineer - Watch System Reliability

Apple • $130K — $155K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with 7+ years in hardware reliability engineering.
  • Deep experience with physical failure analysis techniques such as Optical Microscopy and SEM/EDS.
  • Proven record in developing custom reliability test suites and authoring engineering test specifications.
  • Skilled in creating high-quality technical presentations and effectively communicating with various teams.
  • Willingness to travel internationally up to 10% for oversight and audits.

Responsibilities

  • Define and defend product durability throughout development and mass production.
  • Develop targeted accelerated test methodologies to isolate failure mechanisms early.
  • Transform empirical data into actionable design risk assessments.
  • Influence cross-functional design decisions to ensure product longevity and customer satisfaction.
  • Steer the testing and validation process to preemptively address potential failures.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
  • Access to international travel for professional development and factory oversight.
  • Collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines and executive teams.
  • Mentorship opportunities in a highly skilled engineering team.
Full Job Description
Description

As a System Reliability Engineer, you will define and defend product durability from early architecture through mass production. Rather than reacting to failures late in the cycle, you will characterize the fundamental balance between real-world life stress and product strength-developing targeted accelerated test methodologies, isolating failure mechanisms early, and converting empirical data into actionable design risk assessments. Your work directly steers cross-functional design decisions to ensure our products deliver an uncompromised customer experience over their full operating life.

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, with 7+ years of hands-on industry experience in hardware reliability engineering, product validation, or failure analysis

Deep, practical background in physical failure analysis techniques (e.g., Optical Microscopy, X-ray/CT, SEM/EDS, cross-sectioning) and a proven track record of methodically driving complex mechanical or electrical failures to fundamental root causes

Proven history of developing custom reliability test suites from first principles, authoring detailed engineering test specs, and bringing up automated fixtures under tight NPI schedules

Demonstrated ability to construct concise, high-signal technical presentations (Keynote/PPT) and communicate complex technical trade-offs with conviction across multi-disciplinary engineering and executive teams

Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 10% to support factory builds, audit vendor labs, and oversee critical test bring-up

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or an equivalent field

Mastery of reliability statistics and modeling tools (JMP, Python, or R), including Weibull analysis, accelerated test modeling (Arrhenius, Peck, Coffin-Manson), sample size determination, and degradation analysis

Experience taking complex, compact electromechanical systems or wearable devices from early concept through mass production ramp

Specialized knowledge in one or more core degradation modes: adhesive/seal integrity, drop/impact shock dynamics, environmental ingress, corrosion kinetics, or material fatigue

Proven ability to navigate high ambiguity, challenge assumptions with rigorous data, and mentor junior engineers on analytical rigor and decision-making

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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