3+ years in manufacturing engineering or hardware NPI, ideally in fast-paced settings
Hands-on experience with mechanical/electromechanical assembly, troubleshooting, and process enhancement
Strong knowledge of DFM/DFA principles for scalable manufacturing
Experience with inventory systems and material traceability
Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and production tracking tools
Understanding of quality systems like inspection plans and process audits
Ability to design and document build processes and inspection procedures
Comfortable in dynamic environments with rapidly changing designs
Knowledge of statistical process control and quality engineering tools
Bonus for experience with ruggedized electronics or automated test development.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with engineers to ensure manufacturability and reliability of products
Establish DFM/DFA guidelines and provide design feedback for rapid iteration
Create documentation for manufacturing processes and assembly instructions
Source tools and fixtures for efficient, repeatable builds
Oversee the build process for prototypes, including planning and troubleshooting
Coordinate with supply chains for readiness in new product introductions
Drive improvements in yield and perform root-cause analysis for failures
Manage systems for inventory control and material flow
Support the implementation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Maintain quality processes, including compliance documentation
Assist in transferring products from engineering to production
Develop test processes for component and system-level verification
Travel as necessary to support builds and resolve issues.
Benefits
Flexible work hours to promote work-life balance
Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge technology environment
Access to a dynamic team with experience in leading tech companies
Potential for professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry
Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.
Full Job Description
Role + Responsibilities:
Specter is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer to bridge the gap between hardware engineering design and scalable production. You will work at the intersection of rapid prototyping, design for manufacturability, and field deployment readiness. This role is critical to ensure our hardware products can transition smoothly from the engineering bench to pilot production and ultimately to commercial-scale deployments.
Potential responsibilities include:
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to design products that are manufacturable, testable, and reliable
Develop and implement DFM/DFA guidelines and provide feedback early in the design cycle to enable rapid build iterations and downstream scalability
Design and document manufacturing processes, assembly instructions, and work instructions for prototype and pilot builds
Specify, source, and deploy tools, fixtures, and assembly aids to enable fast, repeatable builds
Own the build process for engineering prototypes, including planning, hands-on assembly support, and troubleshooting
Work with supply chain and external manufacturing partners to ensure readiness for NPI builds and eventual ramp to commercial volumes
Drive yield improvement and root-cause analysis for assembly, test, and field failures
Manage and help implement systems for inventory control, traceability, and material flow
Support the rollout and utilization of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and other production tracking tools
Establish and maintain quality processes, including inspection standards, process audits, and documentation for compliance and traceability
Support design transfer activities for moving products from engineering release into production and field deployment
Collaborate on the development of test processes and validation plans for component and system-level verification
Travel as needed to suppliers, contract manufacturers, and deployment sites to support builds and resolve manufacturing issues on the ground
Qualifications:
3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or hardware NPI, preferably in fast-paced, hardware-focused environments
Experience working hands-on with mechanical and electromechanical assemblies, including troubleshooting, rework, and process improvement
Strong familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and translating engineering designs into scalable manufacturing processes
Experience managing inventory systems, material traceability, and material flow in manufacturing environments
Exposure to implementing or using Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and production tracking tools
Familiarity with establishing and maintaining quality systems (e.g., inspection plans, process audits, CAPA)
Ability to develop and document build processes, work instructions, and quality inspection procedures
Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-iteration environments where designs change rapidly
Knowledge of tolerance analysis, statistical process control, and basic quality engineering tools
Excellent problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset
Bonus: experience with ruggedized or mission-critical electronics, automated test development, or hardware deployments in challenging environments
