Environmental Innovation Sme - Carbon, Chemistry, and Circularity Innovation (3ci)

Apple Apple · Big Tech · Cupertino, CA +1 · Operations and Supply Chain

This role focuses on driving innovation in environmental sustainability, specifically in carbon, chemistry, and circularity within Apple's supply chain. It involves scouting new climate technologies, evaluating supplier capabilities, commercializing new processes, and leading cross-functional projects. The candidate needs a strong technical background in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering) combined with commercial acumen for supplier negotiations and financial modeling.

What you'd actually do

  1. Serve as Apple’s forward scout for 3Ci technologies. Convert ambiguous climate tech opportunities into structured roadmaps by defining technical milestones, ownership, and scale-up strategies.
  2. Evaluate pilot-line capabilities at supplier sites to identify physical scaling bottlenecks and vet advanced manufacturing technologies.
  3. Partner with Procurement and internal teams to draft, negotiate, and execute Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), proof-of-concept scopes, and pilot programs with early-stage chemical, materials, and hardware startups.
  4. Apply should-cost analysis and Techno-Economic Assessments (TEA) to unproven, pre-commercial manufacturing processes to drive "green premium" reduction and commercial viability.
  5. Drive multi-year project execution across Operations, Environmental Technologies, Finance, and external research partners, synthesizing deep technical findings for senior leadership to secure buy-in.

Skills

Required

  • BS/BA in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in technical program management, engineering, procurement, or supply chain roles
  • Commercial acumen — experience with supplier negotiations, should-cost modeling, and competitive sourcing strategies
  • Experience engaging directly with R&D teams, scientists, or advanced manufacturing suppliers on technically complex projects

Nice to have

  • Proven track record driving initiatives from early-stage ambiguity through to structured execution and measurable outcomes
  • MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline
  • Familiarity with circular supply chain challenges, including low-carbon materials, recycled or renewable materials, or novel chemical processes
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to synthesize complex technical and commercial findings for senior leaders
  • Exceptionally adaptable — intellectually curious, with a demonstrated hunger to learn new domains quickly and apply knowledge across contexts
  • Systems thinker who can identify key leverage points across complex, interconnected supply chains and technical portfolios
  • Ability to define and drive multi-year project roadmaps, establishing yearly targets and identifying opportunities to accelerate
  • Comfortable making sound decisions with incomplete information
  • Self-starter with high integrity, sharp attention to detail, and passion for Apple's environmental mission.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10–20%)
  • MBA a plus

What the JD emphasized

  • technically complex problems that don't yet have a clear owner, framework, or obvious path
  • ambiguous opportunities into structured initiatives
  • deep technical work
  • operational and commercial challenges
  • early-stage ambiguity through to structured execution
  • ambiguous, fast-moving environments
  • complex, interconnected supply chains