System Engineering Program Manager, Apple Watch

Watch System EPM is responsible leading a broad cross-functional team in developing Watch projects, leveraging a strong technical background to effectively manage and communicate cross-functional issues and risks. This role is providing a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with program management skills and executives exposure.

Description

Manage the planning and execution of product prototype builds, leading a cross-functional team of electrical, software, and mechanical engineers. Set and communicate clear objectives for the build schedule, serving as the primary point of contact for the program with Contract Manufacturer (CM) partners. Lead multi-functional engineering team meetings to discuss design scope, set timelines, and ensure timely completion. You'll understand the complexities of system integration and collaborate with teams to facilitate feedback through the internal design review process. Maintain good communication and provide multiple levels of status to individual contributors and executive management.

Responsibilities

• Drive upstream component/module builds to fulfill system engineering build demands. Key contributor to system build planning and execution
• Collaborate and facilitate communication across multiple engineering teams, operations, industrial design, and our vendor partners to meet aggressive quality, schedule, and cost goals
• Understand technical issues & complex design trade-offs. Drive to closure by bringing together key stakeholders; facilitating decision-making discussions to meet overall project objectives
• Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies and facilitate conflict resolution within and between teams, focus on top level objectives and develop best course of action
• Create/maintain complex and detailed project schedules for product enclosure and internal mechanical components. Respond quickly to changes and minimize project impact
• Provide timely issue resolution and critical path management as top priorities shift
• Understand system-level part interactions (mechanical, electrical, RF); manage a plan to provide key system configurations into reliability testing to validate performance
• Coordinate cosmetic and functional partial unit builds for key reviews and early testing
• Offer multiple levels of status across a wide spectrum of individual contributors to executive management

Minimum Qualifications

• BS engineering degree required
• 4-8+ years of project management experience
• Experience and familiarity with consumer electronic industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical background in EE or ME. Masters in Engineering is a plus.
• 4+ years of project management experience with experience in working with CM partners
• Detailed knowledge of product development cycles & strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Experienced in setting up project schedules and work breakdown structures
• Ability to filter and distill relevant information for the right audience
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and leadership skills
• Highly disciplined in workflow, process, and staying organized on priority tasks
• Superior attention to detail with a strong commitment to rigor and excellence.
• Ability to manage complex build matrices and build planning through complex schedules
• Self motivated and proactive with creative and critical thinking capabilities.
• Understands and deals well with rapid development cycles and constant change; remains flexible and calm in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to travel internationally to support builds.

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 $172,100 and $305,600, 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. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

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. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .

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Client-provided location(s): Cupertino, CA

Job ID: apple-200616113-0836

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-08-16T19:22:12