# Ash Thomas > Engineering Program Manager @  iPad System Product Design Location: Cupertino, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/ashthomas Currently managing complex hardware programs in Apple’s iPad product design team! I drive alignment across cross-functional teams to bring ideas to life. I thrive on collaboration, diverse perspectives, and creating impact—especially in tackling environmental challenges. Having grown up across multiple countries, I love connecting with people from all walks of life. Outside work, I’m a pro-volleyball and soccer player who dabbles in videography, dance, music, food and art. I’m always exploring new places—curious about how creativity and technology can make a positive difference. ## Work Experience ### Engineering Program Manager - Product Design @ Apple Jan 2024 – Present | Cupertino ⁍ iPad | System Product Design EPM ⁍ iMac Connectors | Interconnect Module Product Design EPM Drove new connector development for 2024 launch, de-risking builds, aligning vendors, and steering design pivots under tight timelines. Delivered program milestones on budget by merging technical depth with cross-functional leadership. ### Imaging and Sensing R&D Process Engineer @ Apple Jan 2019 – Jan 2024 | Cupertino Enabled development of next-gen display architecture processes through rapid prototyping (metals, polymers, adhesives) and custom fixture design. Solved early-stage integration challenges in opto-mechanics and display processes, enabling system-level breakthroughs and accelerating path-to-product across multiple Apple lines. Handled display & optical module development for Vision Pro, iPhone, Apple Watch and future products ### Microelectronics Engineering Co-op @ Teledyne DALSA Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 | Waterloo, ON Automated image sensor fabrication by implementing a cleanroom robotics system, cutting cycle times and boosting yield. Designed enclosures and led build-to-release planning, bridging hardware, process, and production integration. ### Global Commodity Manager Intern @ Apple Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 | Cupertino, California Strengthened iPhone/iPad NPI by solving recycling process failures via DOE + FMEA validation. Partnered with suppliers to roll out enhanced processes, safeguarding component reliability and mitigating multi-gen supply chain risks. ### Assembly Engineering Specialist Co-op @ Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Canada Cut 28% raw material cost on Corolla line by eliminating process inefficiencies. Fast-tracked Automated Guided Vehicle integration for RAV4 launch, balancing cost, throughput, and system-level performance in high-volume ops. ### Product Engineering Co-op @ ShadeFX Jan 2016 – Jan 2016 | Canada Delivered 40% faster setup times by redesigning fixtures and prototyping rainwater and beam structures. Saved deadlines and costs on a $4K motorized canopy project, proving early-stage design agility. ### Mechanical Engineering Co-op @ ORBCOMM Jan 2016 – Jan 2016 | Canada Scaled production of 600+ harnesses in 5 weeks for a $25M program. Designed mounting solutions cutting field install time for a $140M project, marrying engineering speed with deployment impact. ### Vehicle Suspension Team Member @ Formula Hybrid+Electric Jan 2015 – Jan 2015 | Waterloo, Canada Supported early-stage concept builds, creating small parts hands-on while mastering diverse manufacturing processes. Gained strong foundations in DFM, bridging design intent with production reality. ### Mechanical Engineering Co-op @ University of Waterloo Jan 2015 – Jan 2015 | Waterloo, Canada Led rapid prototyping lab operations—enabling 3D printing, laser cutting, and design verification for student teams and final-year projects. Trained peers on lab safety, taught STEM high school workshops, and became the go-to consultant for prototyping solutions through deep expertise in fabrication tools and processes. ## Education ### Master of Engineering in Applied Systems Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology ### Bachelor of Applied Science Hons. in Mechanical Engineering (with Distinction) University of Waterloo ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ashthomas96 --- Source: https://flows.cv/ashthomas JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/ashthomas/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13