Manufacturing Engineer

About Us

Protonex LLC, dba PNI Sensor based in Santa Rosa, Ca. seeks meticulous, process-oriented individual with a desire to continue to grow in a technical role. PNI Sensor is an engineering-driven sensor products company with products ranging from sensor components to IoT systems sold worldwide. The ideal candidate is disciplined, accountable, meticulous, has pride in their work product and is a team player.

PNI Sensor develops high-performance sensing and positioning technologies used in industrial, consumer, and advanced navigation applications. We value innovation, hands-on problem solving, and collaborative engineering.

Position Summary

PNI Sensor is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize production of precision sensor products. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on automation, calibration systems, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate bridges engineering design and high-volume production while driving quality and throughput improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations & Equipment

• Own and maintain optimal performance of automated manufacturing and sensor calibration equipment
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to minimize downtime
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance and calibration procedures
• Lead upgrades and improvements to automation systems and test equipment

New Product Introduction (NPI) / Design Transfer

• Lead transition of engineering designs into manufacturing (DFM/DFT)
• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and scalability
• Develop work instructions, process flows, fixtures, and tooling
• Support pilot builds and ramp to full production

Supply Chain Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with supply chain and suppliers to ensure manufacturability
• Support sourcing decisions, qualification of components, and cost reduction efforts
• Address supplier-related manufacturing or quality issues

Production Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze production output rates, yield, and cycle time
• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements (Lean / Six Sigma)
• Drive cost, efficiency, and throughput improvements across manufacturing lines

Quality & Corrective Actions

• Review product and process failures (NCMRs, RMAs, yield losses)
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Partner with quality and test engineering to improve product reliability

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• o Mechanical Engineering
• o Manufacturing Engineering
• o Electrical Engineering
• o or related engineering discipline

Experience

• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering (electronics, sensors, or precision devices preferred)
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems and test/calibration equipment
• Proven experience supporting NPI and production ramp
• Familiarity with supplier interaction and manufacturing supply chain

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with process development, tooling, and fixtures
• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, or similar)
• Root cause analysis tools (8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sensor, semiconductor, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing
• Hands-on automation, robotics, or test system integration experience
• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
• Must be a US Citizen