Engineering Program Manager, AppleCare Hardware Testing & Operations

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The Engineering Program Manager is responsible for managing business, technical strategy, readiness, and operations for EFFA and NPI Hardware Testing Labs. This role drives strategic growth through new business opportunities in hardware testing, AI/ML, diagnostics, and early engagement expansion. A strong strategic mindset is essential, as the role involves developing comprehensive end-to-end plans covering line layout, resource allocation, vendor management, and budget oversight. A successful candidate is a natural leader and facilitator, communicates effortlessly, thrives in ambiguity, and drives results through organization, influence, and conflict resolution.

Description

As an Engineering Program Manager, you will be responsible for the overall strategy and management of the business end-to-end. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering, product, and operations teams to drive EFFA HW Testing Line readiness, NPI Early Engagement activities, and sustaining work requests.

Drive strategic expansion of Lab testing scope by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in hardware testing, AI/ML data collection, diagnostics development, and repair initiatives.

Lead cross-functional discussions with Ops and Engineering partners to define EFFA HW Testing and NPI Early Engagement scope, including test coverage and FA requirements (equipment and headcount).

Lead Early Engagement technical coordination with Engineering teams to evaluate test station and conveyor compatibility with the lab's low-UPH environment, determine which stations can be adapted for early engagement builds, and develop bring-up plans accordingly.

Drive AI and automation initiatives for the EFFA organization, including development and deployment of tools that improve PM and engineering productivity, reduce manual workflows, and support EFFA systems roadmap execution.

Develop end-to-end lab bring-up plans, accounting for station bring-up and troubleshooting complexity, installation, qualification headcount (Apple, CM, and Equipment vendor resources), and equipment lead-times.

Collaborate with cross-functional partners (i.e. SW, HW, Operations, and CM) to define test station bring-up and qualification requirements.

Manage BOM review discussions with Test Engineers, Operations, Product Quality, and HW Test engineering teams to finalize equipment requirements.

Manage buy new/reuse equipment decisions by coordinating with Test Engineering team. Support Buyers during BOM reviews and vendor engagements.

Provide technical leadership for test station readiness. Develop and maintain expertise on test station architecture, test process, test station bring-up, and test station qualification methodology and data analysis.

Complete budget forecast (equipment & resources) across all programs and present to the AppleCare leadership/finance and Product Quality stakeholders.

Be effective at presenting at all levels within the company. Have the ability to flex style effectively for junior individual contributors and for senior executives.

Develop and present compelling business cases. Understand key cost drivers and recommend options between competing strategies based on effective cost/benefit analysis. Use business and supply chain knowledge to analyze competing options.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters in an Engineering field and/or MBA.

Experience in managing procurement, inventory, supply chain, operations, and lab management responsibilities.

Experience working on complex and ambiguous business problems and problem solving in an engineering or operations role.

Experience developing business models to drive strategy and decisioning.

Minimum Qualifications

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science or equivalent experience.

Over 7 years of diverse industry experience in project/program management, new product development, supply chain, operations, or engineering.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to cross-functional teams and leaders.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Self-motivated with a collaborative spirit to build strong relationships with other engineering teams and follow up on technical issues.

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,500 and $311,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.