Apple exec involved in Mac hardware hired away by Tesla
Doug Field, a five-year employee of Apple working in the company's Mac hardware group, has been hired away by electric car-maker Tesla.
Tesla Motors officially announced the hire Thursday afternoon. In his new role at the company, Field will serve as vice president of Vehicle Programs, and will be responsible for driving development of new vehicles.
In taking on the new position, Field has left his role as vice president of Mac Hardware Engineering at Apple. In that role, he oversaw the development of the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models.
"Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple," said Field. "I started my career with the goal of creating incredible cars, but ultimately left the auto industry in search of fast-paced, exciting engineering challenges elsewhere.
"As the first high tech auto company in modern history, Tesla is at last an opportunity for me and many others to pursue the dream of building the best cars in the world--while being part of one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley."
The position at Tesla marks a return to the automotive industry for Field, as he began his career as an engineer at Ford Motor Company. Before he joined Apple, he was a chief engineer at Segway.
"Doug has demonstrated the leadership and technical talent to develop and deliver outstanding products, including what are widely considered the best computers in the world," said Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla. "Tesla's future depends on engineers who can create the most innovative, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. Doug's experience in both consumer electronics and traditional automotive makes him an important addition to our leadership team."
Field has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS in Mechanical Engineering with highest distinction from Purdue.
Tesla Motors officially announced the hire Thursday afternoon. In his new role at the company, Field will serve as vice president of Vehicle Programs, and will be responsible for driving development of new vehicles.
In taking on the new position, Field has left his role as vice president of Mac Hardware Engineering at Apple. In that role, he oversaw the development of the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iMac models.
"Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple," said Field. "I started my career with the goal of creating incredible cars, but ultimately left the auto industry in search of fast-paced, exciting engineering challenges elsewhere.
"As the first high tech auto company in modern history, Tesla is at last an opportunity for me and many others to pursue the dream of building the best cars in the world--while being part of one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley."
The position at Tesla marks a return to the automotive industry for Field, as he began his career as an engineer at Ford Motor Company. Before he joined Apple, he was a chief engineer at Segway.
"Doug has demonstrated the leadership and technical talent to develop and deliver outstanding products, including what are widely considered the best computers in the world," said Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla. "Tesla's future depends on engineers who can create the most innovative, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. Doug's experience in both consumer electronics and traditional automotive makes him an important addition to our leadership team."
Field has a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BS in Mechanical Engineering with highest distinction from Purdue.
Comments
My only question is, "How deep is Apple's hardware engineering bench?"
Maybe he can be responsible for keeping Android out of the best cars available.
-kpluck
I guess that means it can’t be stopped. Oh, wait.
From one great engineering company to another ... lucky guy.
Doug Field, a five-year employee of Apple
"Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple,"
You were only there for 5 years, why would you at all consider leaving? He acts like he was at Apple for 15+ years.
5 yrs is a long time in Silicon Valley. Everyone poaches and people burn out.
It's a shame Elon Musk has publicly stated that he intends to put Android in Tesla vehicles. Ah, well.
It's a shame Elon Musk has publicly stated that he intends to put Android in Tesla vehicles. Ah, well.
Oh my gosh... we are not going to blow the horn and it go D R O I D!
His experience at designing overpriced hardware should help him fit in nicely at Tesla.
Says the guy who has made MagicJack his tagline.
5 yrs is a long time in Silicon Valley. Everyone poaches and people burn out.
5 years goes by as a blink of an eye, and besides, the rest of the VPs have been there considerably longer, with the exception of Bruce.
I’d drive an Ive-designed car. I believe he worked on one at Apple once…
But Musk as CEO? Eh.
An Apple rocket would get us to Ganymede in under a year.
5 yrs is a long time in Silicon Valley. Everyone poaches and people burn out.
5 years goes by as a blink of an eye, and besides, the rest of the VPs have been there considerably longer, with the exception of Bruce.
You're both right.
In silicon valley (and other places), 5 years are a long time. Many stay until their options vest, and then move on. Tony Fadell, for example, stayed ~ 6 yrs. The pressure, in many companies, not easy to bear. More than one engineer at Apple sacrificed their marriage for the iPhone.
But there are also those who stay, and climb the ranks.
you're right - Tim as CEO running it and making it work, Elon as visionary, Jony as designer