Manufacturing & Production Engineer
Engineers in this role guide the journey of AI hardware—from prototype to mass production—designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for PCBs, assemblies, and mechatronic systems. They partner with design teams, contract manufacturers, and cross-functional stakeholders to solve complex manufacturability challenges, conducting detailed design-for-manufacturing reviews and managing new product introductions while scaling production efficiency and quality. Typically embedded within hardware or operations teams at AI companies building inference systems, robots, or autonomous vehicles, they balance technical rigor with hands-on problem-solving, translating engineering intent into reliable, repeatable factory processes.
Skills
What companies are looking for in this role.
Designing and implementing manufacturing test strategies and test coverage plans for complex hardware systems
Conducting design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) reviews to optimize product buildability
Developing and deploying manufacturing test fixtures, tooling, and automation equipment
Leading new product introduction (NPI) and design transfer activities from prototype to production
Analyzing and resolving manufacturing yield issues and field failures
Managing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) deliverables
Managing supplier and contract manufacturer relationships throughout product lifecycle
Designing and validating process control plans, PFMEAs, and process flow documentation
Performing root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) using structured problem-solving methodologies
Performing printed circuit board (PCB) and circuit board assembly (PCBA) process optimization and troubleshooting
Collaborating with hardware design teams to integrate testability and design for test (DFT) principles
Performing end-of-line (EOL) test development, deployment, and validation
Developing assembly procedures, bills of materials, and standardized work instructions
Designing mechanical assembly jigs, fixtures, and specialized tooling for manufacturing efficiency
Analyzing production data and implementing continuous improvement initiatives
Conducting supplier audits and quality assessments to ensure manufacturing readiness
Managing manufacturing test operations including hardware, firmware, and software updates to test systems
Implementing error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) solutions and manufacturing process controls
Performing precision soldering and micro-soldering work on complex circuit boards
Automating manufacturing test workflows and developing test automation software
Integrating hardware, software, and firmware components during manufacturing validation
Designing mechanical and thermal solutions optimized for manufacturing scalability
Supporting system-level bring-up, configuration, and validation processes in manufacturing
Leading cross-functional collaboration between hardware, software, and manufacturing teams
Communicating technical requirements and manufacturing constraints across engineering and production stakeholders
Managing project timelines, schedules, and deliverables for manufacturing initiatives
Providing on-site manufacturing support and technical troubleshooting at supplier facilities
Training technicians and engineers on manufacturing processes, soldering standards, and quality procedures
Documenting manufacturing processes, best practices, and lessons learned
Technology
The tools and technologies that define this role.
Open Jobs
28 open Manufacturing & Production Engineer jobs across 10 companies.
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