STEM OPT Product Design Engineer Jobs
Product Design Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, drawing on mechanical, industrial, or materials engineering degrees that qualify for the 24-month extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins. This page lists Product Design Engineer jobs at E-Verify-enrolled companies actively hiring OPT students.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Haptic Engineering team develops innovative haptic solutions that are central to Apple’s products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch! Our key goal is to enable the world’s best user experience and explore the possibilities using haptics. We are a highly multi-functional team working in a hands-on environment that values creativity, engineering excellence, and passion for innovation. New challenges arise every single day that require the sharp analytical skills of versatile and forward-thinking individuals. We are seeking a Product Design / Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, and validate next-generation haptic actuators and experiences. Imagine what you could do at Apple! Are you ready to help us deliver the next groundbreaking Apple products?
DESCRIPTION
You will have end-to-end responsibility for the mechanical design and integration of a haptic actuator from concept to production, with a path to owning the magnetic design and actuator architecture as you grow in the role. You will be expected to work with a variety of cross functional teams and vendors to accomplish this.
Responsibilities
- Design and define mechanical components and assembly schemes
- Brainstorm concepts and solutions to haptic related challenges
- Prototype, evaluate, and debug innovative ideas
- Contribute to haptic engine architecture from magnetic first principles, including magnetic circuit, flux path, and force-profile design
- Characterize magnetic materials and magnets: BH-loop and flux measurement, thermal demagnetization, and loss benchmarked against design targets
- Analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify fundamental device performance through simulation and experiments
- Define actuator performance targets jointly with perception scientists
- Validate and characterize designs through multiple iterations
- Participate in the development of new manufacturing and assembly processes with external vendors
- Conduct failure analysis and design of experiments (DOEs) to resolve root cause and implement corrective actions
- Generate new intellectual property
- Collaborate with Industrial Design and system engineering groups to determine and achieve both functional and aesthetic goals
- Design for manufacturability with Process, Manufacturing Design, Technical Operations, and other cross-functional teams
- Lead design reviews and design documentation releases
- Periodic international travel based on project needs (< 10%)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
- Experience with 3D CAD
- Strong fundamentals in mechanics and magnetism
- Working expertise of magnetic measurement and characterization, grade selection, and thermal demagnetization
- Skilled at problem-solving, using tools like the scientific method, root cause analysis, and DOE creation (Design of Experiments)
- Proficient with mechanical or electromagnetic FEA tools
- Applied knowledge of electrical circuits, material science, and basic chemistry
- Team oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Project experience in consumer electronics products design
- Design and/or research experience with haptic technologies
- Experience designing to perceptual or psychophysical targets
- Experience in the design and application of electromagnets and actuators
- Expert knowledge of electro-mechanics and dynamics
- Fluency with ML- and optimization-driven design exploration
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (JMP, MATLAB, Mathematica, Excel, etc)
- High volume mass production experience (DFM)
- Experience with 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
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 $122,700 and $214,300, 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.
INTRODUCTION
The Haptic Engineering team develops innovative haptic solutions that are central to Apple’s products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch! Our key goal is to enable the world’s best user experience and explore the possibilities using haptics. We are a highly multi-functional team working in a hands-on environment that values creativity, engineering excellence, and passion for innovation. New challenges arise every single day that require the sharp analytical skills of versatile and forward-thinking individuals. We are seeking a Product Design / Mechanical Design Engineer to design, develop, and validate next-generation haptic actuators and experiences. Imagine what you could do at Apple! Are you ready to help us deliver the next groundbreaking Apple products?
DESCRIPTION
You will have end-to-end responsibility for the mechanical design and integration of a haptic actuator from concept to production, with a path to owning the magnetic design and actuator architecture as you grow in the role. You will be expected to work with a variety of cross functional teams and vendors to accomplish this.
Responsibilities
- Design and define mechanical components and assembly schemes
- Brainstorm concepts and solutions to haptic related challenges
- Prototype, evaluate, and debug innovative ideas
- Contribute to haptic engine architecture from magnetic first principles, including magnetic circuit, flux path, and force-profile design
- Characterize magnetic materials and magnets: BH-loop and flux measurement, thermal demagnetization, and loss benchmarked against design targets
- Analyze static and dynamic structures to quantify fundamental device performance through simulation and experiments
- Define actuator performance targets jointly with perception scientists
- Validate and characterize designs through multiple iterations
- Participate in the development of new manufacturing and assembly processes with external vendors
- Conduct failure analysis and design of experiments (DOEs) to resolve root cause and implement corrective actions
- Generate new intellectual property
- Collaborate with Industrial Design and system engineering groups to determine and achieve both functional and aesthetic goals
- Design for manufacturability with Process, Manufacturing Design, Technical Operations, and other cross-functional teams
- Lead design reviews and design documentation releases
- Periodic international travel based on project needs (< 10%)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
- Experience with 3D CAD
- Strong fundamentals in mechanics and magnetism
- Working expertise of magnetic measurement and characterization, grade selection, and thermal demagnetization
- Skilled at problem-solving, using tools like the scientific method, root cause analysis, and DOE creation (Design of Experiments)
- Proficient with mechanical or electromagnetic FEA tools
- Applied knowledge of electrical circuits, material science, and basic chemistry
- Team oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Project experience in consumer electronics products design
- Design and/or research experience with haptic technologies
- Experience designing to perceptual or psychophysical targets
- Experience in the design and application of electromagnets and actuators
- Expert knowledge of electro-mechanics and dynamics
- Fluency with ML- and optimization-driven design exploration
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (JMP, MATLAB, Mathematica, Excel, etc)
- High volume mass production experience (DFM)
- Experience with 2D drafting, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
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 $122,700 and $214,300, 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.
See all 614+ STEM OPT Product Design Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Product Design Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Product Design Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code matching a STEM-designated field. Cross-check your transcript against the official STEM Designated Degree Program List on USCIS before targeting roles, since mechanical, industrial, and materials engineering codes all qualify but adjacent fields may not.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
An employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension can begin. Ask hiring managers directly or search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment status. A verbal assurance isn't enough; your DSO will need documented confirmation when processing your I-983.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before day one
Product Design Engineer roles require a Form I-983 that maps your daily work to learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Get your manager to specify project milestones, CAD or prototyping tools, and design review responsibilities in the plan before your start date so USCIS sees a credible connection to your coursework.
Target companies with active hardware product pipelines
Product design work is easiest to justify on an I-983 when the employer ships physical products requiring iterative engineering. Look for companies with open design review cycles, NPI processes, or DFM requirements in job descriptions, as these signal the kind of applied STEM work your training plan needs to document.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Filter your product design job search on Migrate Mate to surface employers already enrolled in E-Verify and experienced with STEM OPT students. This cuts the vetting step out of your application process and lets you focus on roles where the extension paperwork won't be a new concept for HR.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS allows you to apply up to 90 days before your initial OPT end date, and cap-gap protection only kicks in if your H-1B visa is filed while your OPT is still valid. Submit your I-765 and I-983 to your DSO well before that window closes so processing delays don't interrupt your employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Product Design Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, or a related discipline listed on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The role itself must also apply the engineering knowledge from that degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility when processing your I-765 and I-983. You can browse qualifying Product Design Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers.
What does the I-983 training plan require for a Product Design Engineer?
Your Form I-983 must describe how your day-to-day work as a Product Design Engineer connects to your STEM degree. That means listing specific learning objectives tied to design tasks, tools such as CAD platforms or prototyping workflows, and measurable goals. Your employer signs the plan before your extension begins, and your DSO reviews it. USCIS can audit the plan, so vague descriptions like 'engineering tasks' are insufficient and may trigger a request for evidence.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT extension?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement under the STEM OPT rule. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension start date, not just willing to enroll later. You can confirm enrollment using the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer. If your employer isn't enrolled, your DSO cannot process the I-983 and your extension will not be authorized, regardless of how well the role matches your degree.
What happens to my work authorization if I'm selected in the H-1B lottery during my STEM OPT?
If your H-1B petition is filed while your STEM OPT EAD is still valid and you're selected in the H-1B lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Product Design Engineer during this period without a new EAD. USCIS issues cap-gap coverage automatically when the H-1B is timely filed, but your employer must remain E-Verify enrolled throughout.
Can I change employers while on a STEM OPT extension as a Product Design Engineer?
Yes, but the process restarts with each employer change. Your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you and your new supervisor must complete a new Form I-983 before your first day. Your DSO must report the change in SEVIS within 10 days. Gaps between employers are limited to a cumulative 150 days across your full OPT and STEM OPT period, so timing the transition carefully matters.