Surface Finishing SME

The Advanced Process Lab (APL) is Manufacturing Designs dedicated development space for surface finishing processes. This role focuses on replicating Apple standard finishes developing novel finishes and characterizing target finishes to enable successful transfer to vendor production sites. The Surface Finishing SME will maintain tight process controls both within APL and at supplier locations worldwide serving as the teams hands-on technical resource for all mechanical and chemical finishing is a fully on-site lab-based position requiring 5 days per week. Domestic and international travel (25%) is expected to support vendor process implementation and optimization.

Lab Operations and Process Developmentn- Perform surface finishing processes including sanding tumbling polishing media blasting and related mechanical finishing techniquesn- Develop and optimize cosmetic processes to meet critical quality specifications for color and texturen- Reproduce Apple standard finishes in the APL environment and establish repeatable process parametersn- Investigate and validate new surface finishing processes techniques and equipment to advance the teams capabilitiesn- Manage all lab equipment including preventive maintenance repair and replacement within surface finishing space. nnCharacterization and Qualityn- Operate metrology equipment for surface and color characterization.n- Characterize and clearly communicate target finish specifications to internal teams and external suppliersn- Define and document process controls to ensure robust repeatable outcomesnnSupplier and Vendor Engagementn- Evaluate supplier capabilities relative to Apples finishing requirements and identify shortcomings work with vendors to tighten processn- Provide on-site support at supplier locations in coordination with Cupertino/APO counterparts for manufacturing process implementationn- Collaborate with chemical vendors and consumable suppliers to optimize material inputsnAnalysis and Communicationn- Plan execute and present results from investigations using statistical analysis methods (DOE SPC etc.)n- Drive root cause analysis and corrective action activities when finish quality deviates from specn- Maintain working knowledge of key process drivers and serve as the subject matter expert on project teams

Currently pursuing a Bachelors Masters or PhD in Mechanical Engineering Materials Science Chemical Engineering or a related disciplinenHands-on experience operating mechanical finishing equipment (sanding blasting polishing tumbling) to produce or replicate cosmetic finishesnExperience operating metrology equipment for surface and color characterization (spectrophotometer Zygo Sensofar profilometer etc.)nUnderstanding of color science theory and/or applicationnAbility to define clear process controls and documentation for robust manufacturing processesnStrong analytical and communication skills; ability to present technical findings and recommendations clearly

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