Build Engineer

Etched • San Jose, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Etched is building frontier inference clusters and integrates its own server racks in-house. As builds expand from early-stage work into NPI and production, the Build Engineer owns internal builds end to end, combining operations program management with hands-on engineering. The role plans builds, coordinates parts, tools, and personnel, runs builds on the floor, and resolves issues that slow progress. It works closely with mechanical, electrical, thermal, test, inventory, and lab operations teams. The processes established in this role will support the company's transition to higher-volume hardware production.

The position is fully in person in San Jose (Santana Row). Etched describes its technical team as working across engineering and research disciplines as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or aerospace engineering, physics, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Hands-on experience building hardware.
• Track record of owning a build or hardware program end to end and delivering it on time.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes, drawing interpretation, and GD&T.
• Comfort working on the floor alongside technicians and communicating clearly with technicians, engineers, and leadership.
• Ability to move quickly with incomplete information and remain calm when a build goes wrong.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with server, rack, data center, or other electronics hardware integration.
• Experience building hardware at a high-rate company in aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics.
• Experience designing fixtures and tooling in CAD.
• Experience with PLM, MES, or ERP systems such as Teamcenter.
• Experience scaling a build from prototype to volume production.
• Python, Excel, or other scripting experience for build tracking and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own internal rack and subassembly builds from kickoff to delivery, including schedule, material readiness, staffing, and on-time completion.
• Run clear-to-build checks against the BOM and work with inventory and supply chain to resolve shortages before they stop a build.
• Write and maintain build procedures, work instructions, and travelers, and manage the transition of assemblies from development builds to production.
• Review CAD models and drawings with design engineers to identify manufacturability, assembly, and serviceability issues.
• Design or specify fixtures, tooling, and build stations.
• Integrate mechanical, thermal, power, and electrical subsystems into full rack assemblies, and develop and run associated test procedures.
• Lead build technicians on the floor and serve as the first engineer to address build problems.
• Question requirements, remove unnecessary parts and steps, and simplify build flows to reduce cycle time.
• Track build status, risks, and blockers, and communicate clear delivery expectations to leadership.
• Convert lessons from each build into processes and documentation for NPI and higher-volume production.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage.
• $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits.
• Housing subsidy of $2,500 per month for those living within walking distance of the office.
• Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row).
• Wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and more.
• Daily lunch and dinner in the office.
• Unlimited compute budget subject to ROI justification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time