Senior Manufacturing/NPI Engineer

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Manufacturing/NPI Engineer with broad mechanical design background to join our growing team, as we continually scale and optimize our existing production lines, while also introducing new innovative products at a rapid pace. As a critical member of a matrixed hardware group, you will represent the department as a core manufacturing leader, providing technical expertise for appropriate manufacturing process, design for manufacturability, material, cost efficiencies and quality. 

This position is located in San Francisco, Pier 28 office, and is a full-time onsite position, reporting to our Head of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. 

Impact you will own: 

• Design, setup, and maintenance of internal manufacturing cells for electro-mechanical assemblies. (Spotter platform is fully assembled in SF)
• Collaboratively work with outsourced manufacturing/supplier partners to assess and develop the optimum manufacturing process, equipment, and procedures.
• Assist production technicians to accelerate initial builds of products and continue to assist until the process is stable and sustainable. 
• Ensure all required specifications/documentation, materials, equipment, and procedures are in place for all prototype, pre-production, and production launches (BoMs, Work instructions, Work Orders, validation plans, acceptance criteria, production floor layouts, testing procedures, etc.).
• Support transfers/NPI of finished products, sub-assemblies, cables, components, etc., from EVT phase into pilot/mass production.
• Lead efforts to conduct PFMEA’s/MFMEA’s per production - manufacturing processes to identify possible risks.
• Drive internal expertise in electro-mechanical materials, fabrication processes and automated equipment utilization. (Heavily mechanical based)
• Manage tooling and part approval process (FA, PPAP), along with appropriate fixturing and or assembly/automation needs.
• Design assembly fixtures, manufacturing aids, and/or custom tooling.
• Support quality metrics and provide leadership in problem solving resolution and failure analysis (regarding build configurations, yields, line stoppages, bone pile, scrap rates, component failures, etc.).
• Support ECO generation/implementation and liaison with all external suppliers.
• Implement supplier qualification audits as needed.
• Work with engineering to ensure all manufacturing, quality and inspection requirements are fully documented before product launch.
• Develop and implement quality and acceptance testing protocols for both suppliers and in-house material and components.
• Support engineering in developing and implementing packaging/shipping design and specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering/development/supplier team members to ensure all products are designed to meet MVP requirements for manufacturability, quality, reliability, and within cost targets.

About You

• Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical, manufacturing or industrial engineering.
• 8-12 years of hands-on experience and technical depth with electro-mechanical products, i.e., pcba’s, cables/harnessing, sheet metal stamping, injection molding, investment casting, roto-molding, rapid prototyping, tooling validation, bonus point for experience in marine/ocean products. 
• Proficient with 3D CAD software (Solidworks preferred), including modeling and creation of detailed drawings and designs, production fixturing/automation, along with ongoing sustaining engineering.
• Min. of 4 years’ experience in a fast-paced environment, comfortable with wearing multiple hats at once, with a keen understanding of urgency, ownership, and timing.
• Experience working directly with global CM’s and suppliers in Apac, US, and Mexico
• Ability to safely and effectively use hand tools, power tools, rapid prototyping equipment, basic machine shop fabrication equipment, and measurement tools.
• Demonstrated experience with PLM systems to manage design release and documentation control. (Arena)
• Demonstrated success in leading the resolution of challenging production issues.
• Thorough understanding of statistical quality methods and inspection techniques
• Experience with Value Stream mapping, Kaizen, poka-yoke, Lean Six Sigma, and continuous improvement processes.
• Working knowledge of ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T standard’s, process performance / measurement system analysis (OEE, CP, CPK, PPK, GR&R, etc.)
• Ability for global travel as necessary.
• Have a deep passion for the Ocean.

Estimated Salary Range

• $145,000-$165,000
• The range listed is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may be modified in the future. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, experience, and equity package.

Sofar's Commitment to Climate Justice

We at Sofar Ocean acknowledge that careers in the marine sciences “... have traditionally been, and remain, non-diverse work environments”, thereby limiting the entry and prosperity of underrepresented groups in the space. (Johri et al., 2021) Many of these same groups are disproportionately affected by climate change, and are often excluded from decision making that directly address their interests and needs.

We are committed to addressing these climate injustices and highly encourage people who identify as women, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to apply.