Manufacturing Engineer (Supply Chain)

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is building the next generation of humanoid robots, and our supply base must deliver cost-efficient, on-time, premium-quality electromechanical hardware across rapidly evolving designs and increasingly ambitious production volumes. We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer embedded within our Supply Chain organization to serve as the technical authority on supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production readiness for electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblies.

This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role — not a procurement or sourcing coordinator position. You will spend significant time on supplier factory floors evaluating processes, resolving production issues, and qualifying new parts from prototype through rate production. The ideal candidate has deep, practical knowledge of how electromechanical hardware is built and inspected, and uses that expertise to make sourcing decisions, drive supplier development, and own production readiness at external manufacturing sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES or KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Manufacturing Process Ownership

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on manufacturing processes for wire harness assemblies, PCBAs, motor assemblies, actuators, connectors, and other electromechanical components used in humanoid robotic systems
• Determine the ideal manufacturing method, process flow, and critical process parameters for new and re-sourced parts; define these requirements for suppliers
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and process controls through on-site assessments; identify gaps and drive corrective actions
• Review and approve supplier process documentation including control plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions

New Product Introduction & Supplier Qualification

• Own the end-to-end NPI lifecycle at suppliers — from manufacturing feasibility review through PPAP/FAI approval and ramp to rate production
• Qualify new suppliers by conducting detailed manufacturing capability assessments covering process capability (Cpk/Ppk), equipment adequacy, workforce competency, and capacity
• Collaborate with design and materials engineers to ensure DFM feedback is incorporated early and manufacturing intent is clearly communicated to suppliers
• Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier transitions

Supplier Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier quality escapes; drive containment, disposition, and permanent resolution
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics (PPM, OTD, first-pass yield, scrap rates) to identify systemic issues and develop data-driven improvement plans
• Create and disposition non-conformance reports and deviations, working with engineering counterparts on rework, repair, or use-as-is decisions
• Identify and implement product and process improvements that reduce cost, mitigate supply risk, eliminate defects, and improve cycle time

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the procurement team to match sourcing decisions with verified supplier manufacturing capabilities — you are the technical voice in make-vs-buy and supplier selection decisions
• Function as the manufacturing engineering liaison between purchasing, design engineering, production, and the supplier base
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and emerging manufacturing capabilities relevant to robotic hardware

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience conducting supplier manufacturing process audits and capability assessments on-site at supplier facilities
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA (process), control plans, MSA, and SPC — not just awareness, but direct application in a manufacturing or supplier quality context
• Experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations (8D methodology) with suppliers
• Familiarity with quality management system standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or NADCAP) and how they translate to shop-floor controls
• Proficiency with metrology tools and GD&T interpretation relevant to electromechanical hardware
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic and international supplier visits)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in robotics, aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability electromechanical product environments
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and BOM management
• Background in DFM/DFA analysis for electromechanical assemblies

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline (a degree is required — related STEM degrees will be considered only with directly applicable manufacturing engineering experience)
• 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in at least two of the following: wire harness fabrication and assembly, PCB fabrication and PCBA assembly (SMT, wave, selective solder, conformal coat), electric motor or actuator assembly, connector and cable assembly, or other electromechanical component manufacturing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• Hearing and speech to communicate