Senior Staff Manufacturing Engineer

About The Role:

What You'll Do:

• Lead efforts to design, build, and integrate custom and off-the-shelf automation and production systems.
• Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to validate system performance and establish effective, reliable acceptance testing.
• Manage contract manufacturers' builds through final integration and test to consistently deliver conformant hardware to production.
• Own the performance, reliability, and lifecycle of manufacturing equipment (manual through fully automated), driving high uptime and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Lead manufacturing process development from EVT through DVT and into production ramp, ensuring scalable, high-quality builds.
• Translate engineering BOMs (eBOM) into manufacturing BOMs (mBOM) and define efficient, repeatable build processes.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and quality risks using data-driven methods; drive improvements in throughput, yield, and cost.
• Perform root cause and corrective action (RCCA), time studies, and risk assessments to resolve production issues and prevent recurrence.
• Establish and maintain manufacturing standards, including SOPs, work instructions, and training materials, ensuring consistency and process discipline.
• Apply DFX principles to influence product and equipment design for manufacturability, scalability, and quality.
• Lead equipment deployment, including installation, validation, and commissioning, ensuring production readiness.
• Monitor process and equipment performance, using metrics and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage manufacturing projects end-to-end, aligning scope, schedule, cost, and quality across cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, raising the bar for technical execution and manufacturing rigor.
• Travel between Emeryville and Santa Clara sites as needed.

What You'll Need:

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on automation and equipment design.
• Proven experience designing, building, implementing, and sustaining automated systems in a production environment (robotics is a plus).
• Experience in semiconductor, solar, Biotech, EV, or similar high-tech industries, with an understanding of their processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Onshape) for equipment design.
• Hands-on experience with building automation from assembly drawing to manufacturing and production.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as machining, assembly, welding, or material handling.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (Arena software a plus).
• Experience with document control and release processes.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• A first-principles mindset — you question assumptions, reframe problems from the ground up, and approach challenges with a foundational understanding rather than relying solely on precedent.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Bonus Points For:

• Knowledge of basic coding: RSLogix, Ignition, Python, or C/C++.