Failure Analysis Materials Engineer - XPS and Surface Scientist

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.You will be responsible for:XPS Operation u0026 Data AnalysisOperate, 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 ExpertiseApply deep knowledge of surface energy, adhesion mechanisms, surface treatments (e.g., primers, plasma treatments, thin organic u0026 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 u0026 Problem SolvingConduct 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 u0026 Project ManagementWork closely with Ru0026D 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 issuesMentor and support junior scientists in method development and data interpretationPhD 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.

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