iPhone System Reliability Engineer

Apple

Apple

Cupertino, CA, USA

USD 147,400-272,100 / year + Equity

Posted on Mar 17, 2026
Do you like to break things? Do you ever wonder what goes into making Apple products an amazing user experience? The engineers on Apple’s innovative reliability team are responsible for ensuring that our products exceed our customer’s expectations for robustness, durability, and reliability. We are looking for dedicated contributors who enjoy working on ground-breaking products and seeking to make them better through creation and execution of comprehensive test suites, identification of potential failure modes, and collaboration with design teams to drive product improvements. This particular position is on the iPhone system reliability team. In this highly visible and fast-paced role, you will be responsible for developing & performing novel test methodologies to validate the robustness of Apple products/sub-assemblies, materials, and supplier technology. In addition, you will lead failure analysis with our outstanding technology teams to establish root cause and corrective actions to ensure our products continue to surprise and delight our customers for years to come.
In this role you’ll be working cross-functionally with product design, electrical, quality and manufacturing teams to develop and apply advanced reliability test methods, perform failure analysis, run risk assessments and contribute to data automation. Your impact will be felt across the product lifecycle—from early concept to mass production—helping us ship products that exceed user expectations for quality and reliability.
  • Drive reliability initiatives across cross-functional teams while championing data-driven decision making
  • Solve complex technical problems with meticulous attention to detail and systematic root cause analysis
  • Communicate effectively with all levels from technicians to executives, our perspective matters
  • Manage multiple reliability projects simultaneously while maintaining high reliability standards and fast-paced testing timelines
  • At times, complete tests and resolve problems in an unattended manner based on your leadership; demonstrate eagerness to go into uncharted territory and be the team trailblazer
  • Deliver groundbreaking iPhone technologies with passion and a customer-first mindset
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, materials, etc.) or science + 3 years industry experience
  • Statistical experience such as Weibull, JMP, or familiarity with accelerated test models
  • Familiarity with Failure Analysis techniques (Optical Microscopy, X-ray/CT, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, etc.), and the ability to use failure analysis methodology to derive a root cause of failure
  • Experience in adopting emerging AI/ML tools to streamline workflow and identify opportunities for automation
  • Ability to travel internationally without restriction for up to 25% of the year
  • Master’s degree or PhD in engineering (mechanical, electrical, materials, etc.) or science (new college graduate) or Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience in an engineering role
  • Collaborative attitude and ability to cross-functionally work effectively
  • Excel at building and maintaining reliability data dashboards on Tableau that drive informed decision making
  • Proficient in using Python, R or other languages to for extracting data and performing reliability analysis
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for audiences ranging from technicians to senior executives
  • Experience in spirited collaboration between multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists to solve complex electromechanical / mechanical design challenges
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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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.

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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.