Thermal Test Engineer

Thermal Test Engineer Sunnyvale, California, United States Hardware Summary Posted:

May 15, 2026

Role Number:

200663559-3956 At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customerexperiences very quickly. We're looking for an experienced Thermal Test Engineer who bringsdeep, hands-on expertise in thermal characterization, material evaluation, and cooling systemvalidation.

This is a role for an engineer who is equally comfortable installing thermocouples, characterizingthermal resistance and bond line behavior, building custom test fixtures, and writing theautomation that turns raw data into clean, actionable results. Description As a Thermal Test Engineer, you will own thermal characterization and validation for consumerhardware programs across all Apple platforms — from early module designs through shippinghardware. Day-to-day work is hands-on in the lab: instrumenting hardware, configuring testsystems, running thermal test plans, and extracting clear, reliable data.

Evaluate thermal interface materials for new programs, assessing thermal resistance,mechanical compliance, repeatability, and long-term reliability. Collaborate with mechanical andsystems engineers to identify thermal risks and develop mitigation strategies based on testdata. Document procedures, maintain equipment, and communicate findings to stakeholders.

The ideal candidate interprets temperature data, understands system behavior, and cantroubleshoot test setups independently. Responsibilities

• Characterize and qualify thermal interface materials (TIMs) — phase change materials, greases, gels, graphite, and gap fillers.
• Evaluate and benchmark cooling solutions, analyzing performance tradeoffs across form factors and power envelopes to inform architecture decisions.
• Design and execute thermal characterization tests from module to system level to validate thermal performance across program milestones.
• Build and maintain data tools and test fixtures that support reliable data collection and cross- functional decision-making.
• Generate characterization summaries and SOPs that ensure clarity and repeatability across future efforts.
• Research and implement improvements to characterization methodologies and equipment to expand team capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent 2-5+ years of hands-on thermal testing experience in a hardware development or manufacturing environment — characterization work, not simulation-only roles Experience with thermal test equipment and instrumentation: DAQ systems (thermocouples, RTDs), IR thermography, airflow measurement (hot wire anemometry, flow benches), power supplies, and thermal test chambers Preferred Qualifications Direct experience evaluating and qualifying thermal interface materials (TIMs): phase change materials, thermal greases, gels, graphite, thin films, and gap fillers; familiarity with bondline thickness (BLT) measurement, compression testing, and thermal property assessment. Demonstrated experience with multiple cooling technologies: natural convection, forced air, heat pipes, vapor chambers, liquid cooling, and/or thermoelectric solutions — understanding of tradeoffs across form factors and power envelopes Strong thermal engineering fundamentals: conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer; junction-to-ambient thermal resistance; thermal budgeting; steady-state vs. transient behavior. Proficient in Python (or equivalent) for test automation, data acquisition scripting, and post- processing/visualizations. Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to produce clear test reports, SOPs, and summaries for cross-functional audiences. Pay & Benefits 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 $121,306 and $213,700 annualized, 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.

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. 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. Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.