NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

14h • $114,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking an NPI Manufacturing Engineer to bridge design engineering and full-scale manufacturing. The role supports the New Product Introduction (NPI) team in transforming early concepts into buildable, scalable electromechanical products. The engineer will provide Design for Manufacturability feedback, translate Engineering BOMs into Manufacturing BOMs, develop work instructions and test procedures, and lead pilot builds. Success is measured by executing clean handoffs to the production team.

The NPI Team works across R&D and production, collaborating with Hardware, Firmware, Software, Quality, and Production teams to mature new hardware and platforms into scalable products. The team’s work helps ensure systems are built safely, reliably, and efficiently for marine science and maritime defense missions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 4 years of manufacturing engineering experience in low-to-medium-volume, high-complexity electromechanical manufacturing, such as aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated experience with DFM/DFA principles, EBOM-to-MBOM translations, and process routing setups within PLM/ERP environments.
• Hands-on proficiency creating visual work instructions, assembly routings, and functional test procedures.
• Ability to design basic assembly tooling, jigs, and fixtures using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, or similar.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills and ability to coordinate pilot builds across software, firmware, hardware, and technician teams.
• Understanding of mechanical assembly, torque specifications, waterproofing and sealing techniques, and basic electrical/harnessing integration.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with quality and traceability frameworks such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter PLM, NetSuite ERP, or Jira project tracking.
• Hands-on experience with wire harness routing, potting, or IP-rated maritime enclosure assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Partner with design engineers in Hardware, EE, and Firmware early in development to provide Design for Manufacturability and Assembly feedback.
• Translate Engineering BOMs (EBOMs) into structured, buildable Manufacturing BOMs (MBOMs) in PLM and ERP systems.
• Develop, document, and validate SOPs, work instructions, visual build guides, and acceptance test procedures for new electromechanical subassemblies.
• Lead and coordinate NPI pilot builds with technicians, design engineers, and production teams; resolve build issues, capture redlines, and refine assembly steps.
• Design, procure, and validate custom assembly jigs, fixtures, line tooling, and manufacturing aids to improve safety, repeatability, and yield.
• Work with Production Manufacturing Engineering to design line layouts, establish workstation ergonomics, and define scalable manufacturing processes.
• Own the formal production handoff, ensuring BOMs, documentation, tooling, and test processes are validated and stable.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off accrual, an annual holiday schedule, and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents.
• Equity grants.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options.
• Annual professional development reimbursement.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level