Apple

Reliability User Research Engineering Manager

Apple$130K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering or science field.
  • 3+ years in a technical people-management role.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to conduct engineering research experiments.
  • Master's or PhD preferred in relevant disciplines.
  • Experience with AI or Large Language Models for data analysis.
  • Expertise in designing user studies and mixed methods research.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of cross-disciplinary researchers.
  • Set research strategy to deliver actionable insights.
  • Provide coaching and technical guidance to team members.
  • Collaborate with technical cross-functional partners.
  • Translate complex research findings into clear recommendations.
  • Foster a culture of ethical research and continuous team growth.
  • Manage multiple projects while adapting to new challenges.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with a leading global technology company.
  • Engage in impactful research that shapes product design.
  • Professional development in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative work culture with diverse teams.
  • Access to advanced tools and technology in research.
Full Job Description
As the User Research Engineering Manager, you'll lead a team of researchers with expertise spanning mechanical engineering, materials science, human factors, and statistics. You'll set research strategy and grow your team, delivering clear, actionable insights that inform critical decisions across Apple Hardware, products used by millions around the world.

As a leader of this group, you will guide your team through every stage of their research-coaching, owning the hard calls, and stepping in when your technical expertise is needed. The result is clear and data-backed guidance that directly shapes how Apple designs and validates its products.

This role sits at the intersection of multiple disciplines, requiring you to collaborate with highly technical cross-functional partners, adapt quickly to new domains, and balance a variety of projects simultaneously. Success here means leading with equal parts curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, impactful recommendations-all while building a team culture grounded in ethical research and continuous growth.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.

3+ years of experience in a people-management role of technical teams.

Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail, with the ability to present findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams.

Proven ability to conduct research experiments to inform engineering decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.

Track record of building and developing high-performing technical teams, setting vision and strategy while coaching individuals and earning credibility with deep technical experts.

Experience using AI or Large Language Models (LLMs) for data processing and analysis.

Proven ability to design and conduct rigorous user studies for consumer product usability evaluation, using robust experimental designs and scientific methods.

Mixed methods expertise, combining quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Experience with human characterization methods

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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