Materials Scientist - Capacitors

Role details

Summary Join Apple's innovative hardware team as a Materials Scientist for Capacitors, where you will own Apple's technology strategy across the polymer, electrolytic, film, and safety capacitor families — driving critical component solutions from initial concept to high-volume mass production across all Apple product lines.

Description In this senior role, you will serve as the primary technical expert bridging Apple's cross-functional teams with our global network of capacitor suppliers across the full non-MLCC capacitor space: tantalum polymer (including PFAS-free transition), aluminum polymer, aluminum electrolytic, film, safety/Y-rated, and emerging electrochemical energy storage technologies.

You will be responsible for predicting component performance from supplier process choices — pellet morphology and sintering chemistry, oxide film formation kinetics, foil etch architecture, winding geometry, and conductive polymer chemistry — rather than relying on datasheet specifications, and will set Apple's technology direction across these families 3+ years ahead of integration. You will work closely with our existing Passive Component Technologists, SI/PI teams, LOB EEs, and commodity managers across iPhone, iPad, Watch, Mac, AirPods, Vision, Power Adapters, and beyond.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a scientist or engineer with deep materials science or electrochemistry expertise who is passionate about making a significant impact at Apple. This role requires approximately 10–20% overseas travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep Polymer, Film, and Safety Capacitor Expertise — Extensive professional experience across tantalum polymer (MnO₂ and conductive-polymer types, including PFAS-free pellet and termination chemistry), aluminum polymer & electrolytic (etch architecture, conductive layer deposition, ESR/ESL behavior), film capacitor construction (winding geometry, self-healing metallization, voltage derating), and safety/Y-rated capacitors (safe-failure construction, IEC 60384-14 X/Y classification, creepage and clearance). Proficiency in material characterization, DC-bias degradation, surge and leakage current reliability, and construction-to-performance modeling is required.
• Materials Science and Electrochemistry Depth — Command of the physical mechanisms driving capacitor behavior: dielectric oxide formation kinetics (Ta₂O₅, Al₂O₃), pellet porosity and sintering, polymer conductivity and thermal stability, self-healing metallization failure modes, leakage current mechanisms, and capacitor-level safe-failure design. Ability to challenge and evaluate supplier process and material claims from first principles.
• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge — Familiarity with PDN and EMI filter circuit topologies, power supply design, IEC safety standards and regulatory frameworks (including PFAS/REACH restrictions and their supply-chain implications), and device-level reliability requirements across consumer electronics product categories.
• Program Management and Influence — Proven ability to work as an individual contributor within a highly cross-functional environment. Must possess strong interpersonal skills to identify technical challenges, engage with suppliers, drive solutions, and manage development programs to successful and on-schedule delivery.
• Hands-On Manufacturing Experience — A minimum of 5 years (preferably in a recent role) of direct, on-site factory floor experience with capacitor manufacturing processes is mandatory.
• Education and Experience — PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in capacitor or passive component technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid track record of leading passive component product development from concept to mass-production across multiple capacitor technology families
• Experience with PFAS-free materials qualification and supplier transition management
• Familiarity with MLCC ceramic dielectric R&D and supercapacitor / EDLC construction and reliability limits is a plus
• In-depth knowledge of capacitor supply chains, including tantalum ore sourcing, aluminum foil markets, and polymer electrolyte supply base
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated cross-LOB technical collaboration

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 $144,600 and $263,800, 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

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.