Own the manufacturing engineering deliverables across all NPI phases: DFM/DFA review, process definition, first-article inspection, pilot build, and production qualification.
Participate in hardware design reviews; identify and document manufacturability risks early and drive resolution before design freeze.
Develop and maintain manufacturing process documentation: work instructions, assembly travelers, test procedures, and inspection criteria.
Define and qualify test fixtures and tooling required for new product builds.
Lead pilot and EVT/DVT/PVT builds at the contract manufacturer, capturing defects, yield data, and process gaps with clear corrective actions.
Coordinate ECO (engineering change order) transitions into production, ensuring documentation and process updates are implemented without quality disruption.
Own first-pass yield (FPY) tracking and improvement across PCBA and box-build lines; conduct root cause analysis on recurring defect modes.
Lead failure analysis investigations on field returns and production escapes; produce 8D or equivalent reports with permanent corrective actions.
Develop and maintain PFMEAs and control plans for high-risk manufacturing processes.
Identify and drive cost reduction opportunities through DFM improvements, process optimization, and CM negotiation support.
Support incoming inspection processes and supplier quality activities in partnership with the Supply Chain team.
Partner with hardware and firmware engineering to ensure design decisions account for manufacturing constraints, component availability, and test requirements.
Provide manufacturing input to product roadmap reviews, flagging process, tooling, or CM readiness risks early.
Collaborate with the Production Scheduler to translate engineering changes and NPI timelines into achievable production plans.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. (Master’s degree preferred).
7-10+ years of experience in a Manufacturing Engineering role within a high-tech manufacturing environment.
Previous experience in electronic products manufacturing & testing.
Proven track record of transitioning complex electro-mechanical or hardware systems from prototype to high-volume production.
Familiarity with PLM software (e.g., Windchill, Arena) and ERP/MES systems.
Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), APQP, PPAP, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).