Job Details

Failure Analysis Materials Engineer - XPS and Surface Scientist

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Apr 15, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200599497

At Apple, new ideas quickly become extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences. Imagine what you could do here. Come join a company that creates the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries.

We are seeking a highly skilled Surface Scientist with an extensive hands-on X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) background to join our Failure Analysis team in Cupertino. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in Surface Science utilizing XPS and surface characterization to support the development of innovative materials and processes that define the future of Apple products.

Your work will directly impact the performance, reliability, and quality of Apple’s iconic devices. You’ll collaborate across teams to solve complex material challenges, contribute to failure analysis investigations, and drive advancements in surface characterization techniques. Let’s do our best work together.

Description

You will be responsible for:
XPS Operation & Data Analysis
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot XPS systems to ensure optimal performance and data accuracy.
Analyze XPS data to characterize surface composition, chemical states, and contamination profiles.
Develop advanced XPS methodologies tailored to unique material challenges in Apple products.
Surface Science Expertise
Apply deep knowledge of surface energy, adhesion mechanisms, surface treatments (e.g., primers, plasma treatments, thin organic & inorganic coatings) to optimize material performance.
Lead efforts to characterize and analyze surfaces using complementary techniques such as contact angle measurements, AFM, SEM/EDS, or TOF-SIMS.
Failure Analysis & Problem Solving
Conduct failure analysis investigations related to material delamination, adhesion failures, or contamination issues.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, manufacturing, reliability) to identify root causes and implement solutions.
Collaboration & Project Management
Work closely with R&D teams to integrate surface science insights into product design and manufacturing processes.
Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
Work closely with other Failure Analysis staff members to resolve complex material related issues
Mentor and support junior scientists in method development and data interpretation

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Physics, with a focus on surface science or materials characterization.

• Hands-on experience operating and interpreting data from XPS systems.

• Skilled in sample preparation techniques for trace-level contamination analysis.

• Excellent understanding of fundamental physics and chemistry principles governing surface properties and adhesion.

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to collaborate with different teams including engineering, operations, business functions, and external vendors, using influencing skills to drive decisions and meet deadlines.

• Analytical thinker who is data-driven, with a can-do attitude and flexibility to accommodate evolving business needs.

• Strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or Physics, with a focus on surface science or materials characterization.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience operating and interpreting data from XPS systems.

• Extensive experience in XPS data acquisition and analysis software such as CasaXPS, SmartSoft-XPS, or Avantage.

• Familiarity with a variety of materials characterization techniques (e.g., AFM, FTIR, X-ray CT, SEM, etc.).

• Hands-on experience performing experiments involving high voltage, high-vacuum systems, and data acquisition tools.

• Demonstrated expertise in classical surface science principles (surface energy, adhesion, wettability) and related characterization techniques.

• Proven experience in root-cause failure analysis of materials/surfaces in the semiconductor, electronics, or coatings industries.

• Deep understanding of surface modification methods (plasma treatment, primers, oleophobic coatings) and their impact on material/product performance.

• Understanding of PVD/CVD-deposited functional layers and semiconductor thin film materials.

• Demonstrated ability to strategically own and drive the development of advanced surface science methodologies.

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 $175,800 and $312,200, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.