NPI Manufacturing Engineer - AI Compute Hardware

MatX is building next-generation AI compute infrastructure for large-scale LLM training and inference. We're looking for an experienced, hands-on NPI Manufacturing Engineer to lead our AI chip, compute tray, and rack-scale platform into manufacturing including owning process development, factory readiness, and production ramp. You'll work closely with hardware, mechanical, product engineering, quality, supply chain, test, and JDM/ODM partners to build robust manufacturing processes that scale repeatably and efficiently at high volume. What You'll Do Here • Own manufacturing NPI from EVT through DVT and PVT, driving manufacturing readiness at each stage gate, and lead manufacturing first article builds and process qualification with JDM/ODM partners • Develop and maintain manufacturing process flows, assembly procedures, work instructions, travelers, and production documentation, partnering with product and hardware engineering to resolve manufacturing-related DFM/DFT/DFA issues • Lead SMT process development and optimization (stencil design, solder paste, reflow profile, placement validation, solder quality), and develop/qualify manufacturing processes for complex PCB, compute tray, and rack-level assemblies • Define and implement production tooling, fixtures, assembly equipment, and manufacturing test fixtures, and develop/optimize manufacturing test processes (ICT, functional test, boundary scan, system-level production test) with test and diagnostics engineering • Own manufacturing process yield and continuous improvement - defect tracking, Pareto analysis, process capability, root cause analysis, corrective actions - and establish/monitor SPC and process controls for critical operations to reduce scrap, rework, and cycle time • Manage manufacturing implementation of ECOs and BOM changes, work with supply chain and manufacturing partners on alternate component qualification and production continuity, and define manufacturing requirements for ESD, packaging, handling, cleanliness, and material control • Support manufacturing capacity planning and production ramp (line capacity, tooling, labor, process capability), maintain manufacturing/NPI documentation (specs, travelers, test procedures, quality records), and drive the transition from NPI to mass production, ensuring processes are stable, capable, and scalable with yield and capacity targets met Who You Are • 5+ years of NPI or manufacturing engineering experience (PCB, server, AI compute, networking, or electronics hardware), with a proven track record taking complex products through EVT, DVT, PVT, and production ramp • Strong hands-on understanding of electronics manufacturing and SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste, reflow, placement, soldering, SPI, AOI, and X-ray inspection • Experience developing and qualifying manufacturing processes for complex, high-layer-count PCB assemblies, with strong understanding of DFM, DFA, and DFT from a manufacturing perspective • Experience developing and implementing manufacturing test processes, fixtures, and production test stations • Experience with manufacturing yield analysis and root cause methodologies (defect tracking, 8D, FMEA, fishbone), plus SPC, process capability analysis, and Cpk • Hands-on experience working with JDM/ODM/CM manufacturing partners (process reviews, first article builds, qualification), strong understanding of manufacturing BOMs, ECO implementation, and AVL/component changes, and familiarity with PLM/MES tools (Arena, Agile, or equivalent) • Experience with ESD, packaging, handling, and cleanliness requirements for sensitive electronics, and strong cross-functional collaboration skills across product engineering, hardware, mechanical, supply chain, quality, test, and manufacturing teams Bonus Points • Experience with high-power AI accelerator or GPU server manufacturing, including high-current/high-power PCB assemblies • Familiarity with liquid cooling assembly, leak testing, and coolant handling • Experience with OCP Open Rack or rack-scale system manufacturing, including system-level rack integration and production testing • Familiarity with JTAG/boundary scan production testing and experience with automated manufacturing test systems • Experience with high-volume production ramp and factory capacity planning • Knowledge of IPC-A-610, IPC-6012, IPC-7711/7721, or related manufacturing standards • Experience implementing SPC and automated manufacturing data collection Compensation The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job-related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation. • Early Career - $160,000 - $275,000 + equity • Mid Career - $175,000 - $400,000 + equity • Senior Career - $250,000 - $600,000 + equity What We Offer • Time off: 4 weeks PTO (accrued) + 12 company Holidays + up to 3 weeks remote work • Health: Company-subsidized Medical (Kaiser or Anthem) for employees & dependents, Guardian Dental and Vision insurances for employee & dependents, and life insurance (employee only), plus HSA and FSA offerings via Lively. • Financial Wellbeing: Choose from Roth IRA or 401K (or both) retirement plans with up to 5% company contribution to 401K (even if you don't contribute). Also, 100% company-paid life insurance (up to $300K) and long-term disability insurances. • Professional Development: $1500 Professional Development Budget (per year) • Team Meals: MatX provides onsite team lunch & dinner Monday - Friday, with your choice of ordering via WeBox, Specialty's or via our reimbursement system • Commute on Us: Commute on our company Uber account, or reimburse your train rides. Either way, we pay 100% for your daily commute. • MatX E[x]tras: $50/mo to use on the perk you value most • Cell & Internet Reimbursement: $35/mo for cellular and $40/mo for wifi • Remote Home Setup: Use our Amazon business account for up to $1000 in office setup purchases. • Mental Wellbeing: 100% paid mental health benefit via SpringHealth and Guardian EAP. • Support to Parents: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of path to parenthood, 10 weeks pregnancy disability leave, flexible return-to-work hours, and Benepass reproductive health & parental benefit.