Business Unit: Oxford Instruments AFM
Location: Santa Barbara, CA (in-person)
Job Title: Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Reports to: Director of Operations
About the Opportunity:
Oxford Instruments Asylum Research is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of advanced Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM). This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes that ensure the highest levels of product quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will partner closely with Operations, Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Test/Quality teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives, support new product introductions, and enhance manufacturing performance. The ideal
candidate brings a passion for Lean manufacturing, problem-solving, and high-tech scientific instrumentation within a precision manufacturing environment.
Key Job Responsibilities Include, but are not limited to:
• Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and process documentation.
• Analyze manufacturing workflows and identify opportunities to improve throughput, quality, yield, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Drive waste reduction efforts through value stream mapping, process optimization, and elimination of non-value-added activities.
• Design, develop, and justify manufacturing tooling, fixtures, assembly aids, and process enhancements.
• Support the introduction of new products into manufacturing, ensuring scalable and repeatable production processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering to improve product manufacturability, assembly efficiency, and quality performance.
• Lead and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) using methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, PDCA, and failure analysis techniques.
• Support manufacturing validation activities, process qualification, and controlled engineering change implementation.
• Promote and maintain 5S standards and a culture of operational excellence throughout the manufacturing environment.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to manufacturing technicians and junior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements
• Other duties, as assigned.
Core Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a lean manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean tools, including value stream mapping, standard work and 5S.
• Experience in SolidWorks
• Experience supporting the production of complex electromechanical systems, scientific instruments or similar precision products.
• Proficiency with manufacturing documentation, process development, and technical instruction creation.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using manufacturing data to drive decision-making and process improvements.
• Excellent project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced high-tech manufacturing environment.
Preferred:
• Experience with AFMs or other precision scientific instruments.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Salary:
In accordance with California law, the expected annual salary for this full-time, benefited position is between $115,000 - $135,000. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.
Oxford Instruments Perks and Benefits:
• Generous benefit packages - We offer our employees competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Our 401k program has options for saving both pre- and post-tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Work-life balance is a key part of our company culture here at OI, and we know that our employees do their best work when they can take the time they need to rest and recharge.
Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO, which is accrued each pay period.
• Holidays - We recognize 12 holidays this year
• In addition to all the standard PTO options, Oxford Instruments proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional Development - Oxford Instruments supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.
Note to recruitment agencies:
Oxford Instruments does not accept agency CV's. Please do not forward details to our jobs alias, Oxford Instruments employees or any other company location. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CV's.
