Textile Development Engineer

Summary

Apple is seeking an experienced Textile Development Engineer to join the Softgoods Engineering team to explore novel engineering materials and advanced textile fabrication techniques that enhance Apple's existing and future product lines.

The Textile Technology Development Engineer will work in a dynamic, creative environment to determine the viability of new textile constructions and new technologies. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in technical textile weaving, with deep knowledge of yarn, equipment and programming coupled with strong craftsmanship to create samples and prototyping. This hands-on interdisciplinary role requires curiosity and versatility across a wide range of disciplines in a highly collaborative environment to create breathtaking, highly functional products that amaze and delight our customers.

About the role

The Softgoods Engineering team pushes the boundaries of material science and textile engineering to create innovative solutions for Apple's products. By exploring both traditional and emerging materials and fabrication techniques, our team enhances existing product lines and unlocks entirely new product possibilities. Your work will directly contribute to defining the next generation of Apple’s textile-based products and accessories.

Responsibilities

• Develop new materials, designs, and textile technologies through hands-on experimentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including designers, product engineers, and material scientists to translate conceptual ideas into tangible textile solutions.
• Program and operate textile fabrication machines to create functional prototypes and samples.
• Iterate on textile constructions based on performance testing results and design feedback.
• Troubleshoot fabrication challenges and optimize weaving parameters for quality, performance, and aesthetics.
• Document processes, findings, and best practices to support scale-up for production.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience developing technical textiles on weaving machines with proven ability to program weaving patterns to create diverse styles efficiently.
• Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering field.
• Extensive knowledge of yarn technology, from natural and synthetic performance fibers to advanced fiber blends.
• Strong engineering acumen to solve practical problems in technical textile fabrication.
• Flexible, collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced product and technology development lab.
• Excellent organizational, project management and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in process development in an R&D or early-stage environment, where objectives, deliverables, constraints, and timelines are ambiguous.
• 2+ years of experience in the textile industry.
• Proficiency with multiple types of weaving machines.
• Knowledge of other textile fabrication techniques (braiding, flat knitting, warp knitting).