Materials Scientist - Capacitors

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