Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Robotic & Industrial Systems)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with 10+ years of experience in robotic or industrial systems to lead the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of advanced manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in automation and industrial robotics, along with demonstrated success managing contract manufacturers in complex production environments.

Experience in automotive or aerospace manufacturing environments is highly valued, particularly within structured quality systems and high-reliability production settings.

This role is responsible for driving scalable manufacturing strategies from prototype through full production, ensuring operational excellence across internal operations and external manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for robotic and automated systems.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between engineering and contract manufacturers (CMs).
• Own technical engagement with contract manufacturers (CMs), driving process readiness, production ramp, cost control, and quality performance.
• Lead product transfers from engineering to full-rate production, including external manufacturing partners.
• Establish and enforce robust manufacturing documentation packages (BOMs, work instructions, control plans, test procedures, tooling specifications).
• Drive DFM/DFA reviews to ensure products are optimized for scalable, cost-effective manufacturing.
• Lead manufacturing validation activities, including pilot builds, process capability studies, and PPAP (as applicable).
• Provide on-site support at CM facilities to resolve escalated production and quality issues.
• Lead structured root cause analysis and corrective action efforts (8D, A3, RCCA) across internal and external operations.
• Specify and implement tooling, fixtures, and automation solutions to improve repeatability and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers and technicians as needed.
• Frequent visits to our contract manufacturer in West Boyleston, MA
• Potential of occasional travel to other CMs and/or supplier sites

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in robotic, automation, automotive, aerospace, or industrial equipment environments.
• Significant experience working with and managing contract manufacturers, including new product introduction (NPI), production ramp, and sustaining operations.
• Proven experience transferring products from development to high-volume or high-reliability production.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa) and automated systems integration.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes including mechanical assembly, fabrication, machining, and system integration.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled systems and industrial controls.
• Experience operating within automotive (IATF 16949) or aerospace (AS9100) environments or equivalent structured quality systems.
• Proficiency in CAD tools and strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Demonstrated use of structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, Six Sigma).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, and formal production validation processes.
• Experience qualifying and auditing contract manufacturers.
• Experience in high-mix/low-volume or configurable industrial systems.
• Lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
• Experience engaging and managing a Contract Manufacturer; new product introduction through full scale production.  

Key Competencies

• Strong technical leadership and ownership mindset.
• Ability to drive accountability with contract manufacturers while maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Systems-level thinking with focus on quality, reliability, and scalability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Results-driven with a bias toward action and accountability.
• Bias toward action and continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.

9610-2603RK