Product Quality Engineer (PQE), Failure Analysis - Pohang, Korea
AppleJob Title
Product Quality Engineer (PQE), Failure Analysis
Role Summary
Lead failure analysis and quality lab operations in Pohang to support material characterization, reliability, and manufacturing issue resolution across products and the supply chain.
Manage lab resources and capabilities, perform root-cause investigations, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to drive corrective actions.
Experience Level
Mid-level — typically requires 3+ years of relevant experience in failure analysis, laboratory engineering, or related fields.
Responsibilities
The role provides technical leadership of the failure analysis lab and delivers actionable root-cause insights to resolve complex issues.
- Lead quality lab operations, including resource management and capability development.
- Plan and execute failure analysis, material characterization, and root-cause investigations.
- Develop and implement analysis strategies for complex reliability and manufacturing problems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and suppliers to resolve product and process defects.
- Support manufacturing initiatives through lab analytical capabilities.
- Improve lab efficiency via automation, data analytics, and AI integration.
Requirements
Key must-have skills and preferred qualifications.
- Must-have: 3+ years' experience in failure analysis, laboratory engineering, reliability, or quality engineering.
- Hands-on experience with failure analysis and material characterization techniques.
- Practical experience with SEM, FIB/SEM, AFM, FTIR/Raman, X-ray/CT, LIT, TDR, and probe stations.
- Experience with polymers, adhesives, thin films, semiconductor/display materials, or electronic components.
- Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills, technical documentation, and communication skills.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and suppliers; proficiency in English and Korean.
Preferred:
- Experience with OLED/display technologies, semiconductor processes, and thin-film materials.
- In-depth electrical, optical, material, and structural failure analysis experience.
- Experience leading or managing failure analysis laboratory operations and technical teams.
- Knowledge of AI/machine learning and advanced data analytics; familiarity with generative AI and smart manufacturing.
- Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing; ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%.
Education Requirements
BS or MS in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field.
About the Company
Company: Apple
Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States
Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, software, and online services. Known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, Mac computers, and iPad, Apple emphasizes a strong commitment to high-quality design and user experience.
