Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Advanced Input Systems • Coeur d Alene, ID

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is a technical leader within AIS’ Engineering team, responsible for driving the development, optimization, and scalability of manufacturing processes across our electromechanical and HMI product lines. This role owns complex engineering challenges from New Product Introduction (NPI) through sustained production, acting as the authoritative bridge between product design and the factory floor. In addition to hands-on problem solving, the Senior Manufacturing Engineer mentors junior engineers, leads cross-functional initiatives, and contributes directly to AIS’ continuous improvement culture. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronic systems, the judgment to make independent decisions on difficult process and quality issues, and a track record of delivering measurable results in a high-mix, precision manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field.
• 7 years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment, with demonstrated growth in technical scope and responsibility.
• Proven track record leading NPI programs and transitioning complex electromechanical products to full-rate production.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to HMI products: PCB assembly and rework, wiring and cable harness fabrication, electromechanical assembly, machining, and surface finishing.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks strongly preferred); familiarity with eCAD (Altium, OrCAD, or equivalent) a plus.
• Advanced hands-on experience with diagnostic and measurement equipment: oscilloscopes, DMMs, LCR meters, force gauges, torque tools, optical comparators, and CMMs.
• Strong foundation in Lean principles, PFMEA, control plans, DFM/DFA, GD&T, and statistical process control.
• Experience specifying, qualifying, and maintaining automated manufacturing and test equipment.
• Exceptional analytical and structured troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and mechatronic systems.
• Ability to independently prioritize and execute across multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare and present technical content for engineering reviews, customer meetings, and leadership briefings.
• Collaborative leadership style with demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume precision manufacturing environment preferred.
• Exposure to regulatory and agency standards: IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001, UL, RoHS, ISO 9001 / AS9100.
• Experience with automated optical inspection (AOI), automated test equipment (ATE), or in-circuit test (ICT) systems.
• Background in robotics, motion control, haptics, AR/VR system integration, or wearable electronics.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems in a manufacturing context.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of manufacturing processes for new and existing HMX products, from prototype through full-rate production.
• Partner with product design teams to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) decisions early in the development cycle.
• Define and own process documentation: work instructions, assembly procedures, tooling specifications, and process control plans.
• Manage pilot builds and production readiness reviews; establish and validate production yields, cycle times, and capacity plans.
• Serve as a senior technical resource for manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production operators across assigned programs.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers in process development, troubleshooting methodology, and continuous improvement practices.
• Lead engineering reviews and make independent recommendations on process, equipment, and tooling decisions.
• Collaborate with global 1HMX manufacturing sites to transfer best practices and support cross-site capability development.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) for complex production escapes and non-conformances.
• Participate in and lead Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions for non-conforming material.
• Champion Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives; identify and eliminate waste across the production system.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure products meet applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations (IPC, UL, RoHS, ISO).
• Specify, procure, qualify, and maintain manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and test systems.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for production equipment, automated test systems, and product assembly issues.
• Evaluate and implement automation opportunities to improve throughput, yield, and operator safety.
• Serve as the primary manufacturing engineering interface for assigned programs, coordinating with Program Management, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• Provide technical training and written SOPs that enable production teams to operate processes consistently and independently.
• Support customer and third-party audits as a technical representative for manufacturing processes.

Benefits

• Combination of office and production floor environment.
• May require occasional extended hours to meet critical program deadlines.

What This Job Offers

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