Hardware Reliability Engineer - Watch System Reliability

San Diego Until 10/7/2026 3+ years exp First posted July 23, 2026 Last posted August 8, 2026
Job description

At Apple, we don’t just follow industry standards—we push beyond them. We value creative problem-solving, dynamic thinking, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technical challenges. If you’re excited about tackling tough problems and shaping the future of amazing products, we’d love to have you on board! In this role, you’ll collaborate with diverse hardware teams to ensure our products are not only durable and reliable, but also built to exceed expectations. From early concepts to field returns, you’ll lead cross-functional teams, design innovative reliability tests, and drive continuous product improvements. Come join our team!

Description

As a System Reliability Engineer, you’ll be responsible for identifying high-risk failure modes early in the design process and working closely with design engineering teams to reduce those risks. You’ll create new reliability tests based on the physics of failure and anticipated user behavior, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards. You’ll also develop and deliver critical test equipment and specifications, and collaborate with vendors to meet testing deadlines. Additionally, you’ll support failure analysis efforts, offering design recommendations based on your evaluation of test data to drive continuous product improvements.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in technical field (mechanical engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related fields etc.) with 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
Familiar 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
Ability to make clear and concise slides and presentations through keynote, excel, etc.
Able to use basic productivity apps such as email, web browser, calendar, WebEx/Zoom, spreadsheet, keynote/ppt, etc.
Ability to travel internationally without restriction (up to 10%)

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or an equivalent field
Statistical experience such as Weibull, JMP, or familiarity with accelerated test models
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Sharp attention to detail
Confidence in presenting test results and risk assessments to cross-functional and leadership teams
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Capability to perform tests and troubleshoot issues independently
Openness to take on new tasks
A proactive, can-do attitude, with a passion for working alongside an amazing team and innovative products
Collaborative attitude and ability to work cross-functionally effectively.

About this role

Summary

Identify failure modes, design tests, analyze failures, and improve product reliability.

Job title

Hardware Reliability Engineer - Watch System Reliability

Experience level

3+ years

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

technology

Location requirements

San Diego, remote work not specified

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

failure analysis techniquesfailure analysis methodologypresentation skillsproduct testing

Preferred skills

statistical analysisaccelerated testing modelscommunication skillsproject managementtroubleshooting

Specializations

reliability testingfailure analysishardware
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

San Diego, CA, USA

Work arrangement unknown City