We are seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer who will be the technical owner of how Wavelynx's products get built. You will sit at the intersection of product design and production reality - partnering with hardware engineers to design manufacturable products, owning the NPI process from engineering release through production qualification, and driving continuous improvement in yield, cost, and quality at our contract manufacturer(s).
This is a hands-on, high-ownership role. You will spend time on the shop floor reviewing builds, troubleshooting yield issues, qualifying new processes, and developing the work instructions and tooling that make production repeatable. You will also be a voice in early-stage design reviews, pushing back on decisions that will cause problems downstream.
Responsibilities
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- 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
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- 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
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- 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
Qualifications & Skills
Educational Background
- Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. (Master's degree preferred).
Work Experience
- 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.
Technical Proficiencies
- Software Tools: Familiarity with PLM software (e.g., Windchill, Arena) and ERP/MES systems,
- Methodologies: Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), APQP, PPAP, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Soft Skills
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Strong analytical mindset with a passion for troubleshooting complex, multi-disciplinary problems.
Salary and Benefits
- Base salary of $100,000-$150,000
- Medical, dental, and vision options, including an HSA-eligible healthcare plan.
- 401(k) and Roth retirement options with a company match of 6% (immediately vested)
- Paid time off includes up to 3 weeks of vacation and sick leave.
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
