Thermal Test Engineer
At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer
experiences very quickly. We're looking for an experienced Thermal Test Engineer who brings
deep, hands-on expertise in thermal characterization, material evaluation, and cooling system
validation.
This is a role for an engineer who is equally comfortable installing thermocouples, characterizing
thermal resistance and bond line behavior, building custom test fixtures, and writing the
automation that turns raw data into clean, actionable results.
Description
As a Thermal Test Engineer, you will own thermal characterization and validation for consumer
hardware programs across all Apple platforms - from early module designs through shipping
hardware. Day-to-day work is hands-on in the lab: instrumenting hardware, configuring test
systems, 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 and
systems engineers to identify thermal risks and develop mitigation strategies based on test
data. Document procedures, maintain equipment, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
The ideal candidate interprets temperature data, understands system behavior, and can
troubleshoot 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
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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.
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.
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
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. 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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
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