Senior Manufacturing / Automation Engineer

Do you want to change the world? Ample, Inc. is a pioneer in the electric vehicle space that is developing a new way to deliver energy to any electric vehicle. At Ample we use advanced robotics to enable modular battery swapping, which is as fast, as cheap and as convenient as going to the gas station. We are a team of technologists, designers and environmental enthusiasts who believe this problem to be among the most critical challenges of our time. Join Ample and help us make this a reality for billions of vehicles.

As a Sr. Automation / Manufacturing Engineer on the Ample team, you will need to be hands-on,  focused on supporting the validation & scaling of our operations and products. This includes equipment specification and commission, as well as, establishment and optimization of process parameters.  You will work closely with internal cross-functional teams, external vendors and technology partners on process development from concept / prototype phase to product introduction.

Additionally, you will be at the forefront of building cutting edge assembly lines and automation cells. Our team is building the next generation of assembly lines, which will allow our operations team to produce next gen battery technology, at best-in-class quality and rate, in a safe and ergonomic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Implement equipment controls solutions for all battery manufacturing projects. This includes design, architecture and implementation of automated equipment such as automated storage systems, robotics, automated case and pallet conveyance, automated guided vehicles, fixtures, vision systems, etc. 
• Own equipment controls standard, hardware programming, robot programming, commissioning and review process of the project as well as additional functions such as auditing, installation and safety assessment
• Own improvement projects on current automated production lines and develop high volume production processes for key sub systems. 
• Own operations support and lead maintenance teams with routine production tasks and oversee continuous improvement projects, preventive maintenance programs, root cause analysis (RCA), and other troubleshooting tasks 
• Design / develop, prototype, and build new assembly processes with full documentation support
• Perform engineering calculations with respect to cycle time, strength of materials, speeds, horsepower, degrees of freedom (DOF),  temperature, pressure, force, etc. as related to machine and tool designs
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to determine requirements in the development of equipment to meet process and products specifications
• Work with Quality and Test to deliver a robust and cost-effective end-to-end process.
• Assist in setting annual operational targets and drive improvements to achieve those targets.
• Design of volume manufacturing equip.; conveyance, lift assists, jig, fixtures, trolleys, robot end-effector, etc.
• Develop equipment specifications / requirements based on product constraints
• Lead Kaizen events to optimize the assembly process and suggest design changes for future product iterations.
• Conduct equipment / manufacturing process design reviews and provide guidance 
• Manage equipment suppliers / integrators through all phases of new projects
• Coordinate with other process, mechanical, electrical & support disciplines, including project managers, manufacturing reps & others
• Participate in construction / commissioning activities by serving as the point of contact for technical questions and issue resolution
• Draft qualification protocols and manage equipment qualification

Requirements:

The ideal candidate takes pride in her/his hands-on work, analytical ability, organizational skills and attention to detail. She/He appreciates an environment where superior work is encouraged, noticed and rewarded. She/He looks forward to learning an incredible amount on the job.

Manufacturing process and equipment design experience in the following areas are required:

• 5+ years of experience designing, implementing and supporting manufacturing automation solutions
• Thorough knowledge of drafting principles to understand specifications, proficient in SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD 
• Minimum 3 years in automation design at a machine integrator, or equivalent, designing and concepting machines from small table top to large complex integrated stations
• Fully automated assembly line operation, root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and process control experience 
• Experience working with PLC systems, HMIs, and robots in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working with CAD design software - SolidWorks and PLM software
• Experience in designing and improving mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical control systems
• Working knowledge of robotics (6-axis, Gantry, and/or SCARA), pneumatics, servo motors, motion controllers, PLC and PC-based control systems
• Understands machine qualification including calibration, correlation, capability, repeatability and reproducibility
• Knowledgeable in crafting machine qualification requirements, design of experiments and failure analysis
• Support the Engineering Change process to develop and deliver modifications and changes to maintain or improve the safe and reliable operation of our assembly lines
• Demonstrated capability to influence, negotiate and facilitate buy‐in with a variety of stakeholders
• Identify and implement new technologies, specification of requirements, Capex justification, planning and implementation.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, 5S and Six Sigma tools and methodology throughout the manufacturing facility and processes
• Experience using measurement tools, power tools, and hand tools

Experience in factory design, layout, and simulation areas would be a plus, including:

• Experience in 2D CAD tools such as Autocad and other simulation tools such as Arena.
• Experience in rapid prototyping with FDM and SLA 3D printing 
• Experience working with FANUC, UR, IR Vision, Cognex
• Experience working with QMS, quality tracking (Jira), and  confluence
• Experience with automated dispensing, potting, laser marking, laser welding
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience setting up new manufacturing processes
• Cross-functional team environment experience preferred
• Proven ability to self-manage and deliver on time to budget.

We are an equal opportunity and E-verified Employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status.