Additive Prototyping Manager
Apple’s Advanced Development Labs bring products from early concept to reality through our innovative R&D labs across the globe. Our Product Realization Labs fabricate high fidelity representative models which help drive critical design decisions. Our team of model makers have unwavering attention to detail—delivering some of the best quality and tightest tolerances in the industry!
Driving our additive manufacturing prototyping strategy is our Rapid Prototyping Team. Pairing the latest 3D printing technologies with optimized processes, the team fabricates an incredible volume of parts with both speed and accuracy. This hand-on role could be a perfect fit for someone who loves working with early prototypes across Apple’s entire product line.
This role oversees all aspects of Rapid Prototyping technology, working alongside Model Makers to help grow our additive technology portfolio and fabricate models. The right candidate will lead a team of 3D printing Model Makers, assessing daily workload to aligning resources, assigning operational tasks, and providing daily oversight while helping refine the team's skills. In addition, you will:
- Prototype: Help design and improve prototypes using 3D printing.
- Collaborate: Foster a collaborative environment between RP and HWE teams to drive engagement
- Process Optimization: Continuously refine 3D printing processes to improve quality, speed, and cost
- Quality Assurance: Set and uphold standards to ensure parts and models meet strict requirements.
- Relationship Building: Maintain strong ties with internal teams and external suppliers
- Business Engagement: Work with business units to plan future needs and use data to drive smart decisions
- Project Leadership: Lead projects that improve outreach, processes, and systems across the organization
- 5+ years experience leading a small team or collaborative projects.
- 3+ years experience with additive manufacturing technology in a manufacturing or prototyping environment.
- Experience with key 3D Print technologies (Polyjet, MJF, SLA, SLS, FDM, etc.), including complimentary post processing tools
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong customer focus
- Ability to lift 25 lbs, and work with small components for extended periods of time
- Ability to travel domestically <10%
- Proven success in team management, developing strong teamwork, communication, and establishing goals
- Ability to balance tasks for multiple partners through clear priority setting, delegation and effective communication.
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Fusion 360) and slicer tools (e.g., GrabCAD, Netfabb, Magics)
- Experience implementing and scaling new additive manufacturing technologies in a fast-paced R&D or production environment.
- Strong process development, simplifying or automating recurring tasks and building scalable solutions
- Demonstrated ability to collect and leverage data to drive decisions, modify approaches and tell compelling stories.
- Track record of driving sustainability initiatives in prototyping or manufacturing (e.g., waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency)
- Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
- Passion for emerging technology trends, with an approach for experimentation and innovation in prototyping
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.