Technical Program Manager - Optical Components

Summary

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it. As the Technical Program Manager for Optical Components, you will lead Apple multi-functional teams to develop and deliver core technologies that create new experiences for our customers. We act as a link between Apple Design and supplier manufacturing processes, focusing on the details that produce brilliant products through high-volume manufacturing. It is our responsibility to ensure that all technical risks associated with a product are identified and closed or mitigated to enable a successful ramp.

Minimum Qualifications

BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in optical manufacturing, coating, or related high-precision process industries. Experience working with global suppliers in high-volume production environments. Experience with data analysis tools such as JMP or Tableau, and with Design of Experiments (DOE). Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

MS or advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field. Expertise in optical manufacturing processes, including molding, coating, inspection, and final testing. Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Six Sigma, PDCA, FMEA). Experience leading and influencing cross-functional teams. Experience presenting complex technical topics and performance metrics to stakeholders and executives. Ability to analyze data to identify trends, perform root cause analysis, and drive data-driven decisions.

Description

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) with deep expertise in optical manufacturing and coating processes to lead the technical, operational, and quality aspects of product introduction—from early development through mass production. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on optics process knowledge, strong global supplier management experience, and exceptional cross-functional leadership to deliver world-class manufacturing performance. This role requires a strategic thinker who leverages data-driven insights to guide decisions, improve yield and efficiency, and align teams across engineering, operations, and quality functions.

Responsibilities

Lead factory setup and optimization of optical manufacturing processes (molding, coating, inspection, final test). Drive yield reviews; connect root cause analysis to clear improvement plans and execution. Collaborate with global suppliers and manufacturing partners; drive readiness, yield improvement, and quality performance. Partner with cross-functional teams (design, process, quality, supply chain) to ensure alignment across development and production. Apply structured problem-solving (8D, Six Sigma, PDCA) with statistical tools (SPC, GR&R, Fishbone, FMEA) to resolve technical issues. Use data analytics (JMP, Tableau, DOE) to identify trends, perform root cause analysis, and enable data-driven decisions. Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels; distill complex technical issues into actionable insights and drive alignment with stakeholders and executives. Conduct executive reviews, presenting manufacturing readiness, performance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies. Capture and apply lessons learned to improve future designs and manufacturing processes.