Staff Manufacturing Engineer, Vehicle Assembly & Test

ALSO • Palo Alto, CA

5d • $175,000 - $230,000

About The Position

ALSO. is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer for Vehicle Final Assembly & Test, based in Palo Alto, California. The role supports manufacturing development and production launch for new automotive products, working with internal design teams and domestic and international manufacturing partners. The engineer will contribute to scaling new passenger or autonomous vehicle products, from pilot builds through production ramp, and help bring products ranging from two- to four-wheeled vehicles to market.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• NPI or manufacturing engineering experience in the automotive industry.
• Experience leading products through prototype builds, validation, production launch, and high-volume ramp at contract manufacturers.
• Hands-on DFM experience partnering with design teams to improve manufacturability.
• Proficiency in CATIA or SolidWorks.
• Experience selecting manufacturing processes and implementing automation.
• Understanding of how tooling, supply chain, quality, cost, and cycle time affect production decisions.
• Working knowledge of APQP and PPAP.
• Ability to lead cross-functional decisions using data and take ownership of launch issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing development for new automotive products, from pilot builds through production launch.
• Design pilot lines, including layouts, assembly and test steps, tooling, and equipment.
• Develop equipment and process specifications, lead design reviews, and identify opportunities for automation.
• Partner with design teams on manufacturability, using GD&T and tolerance analysis to improve assembly capability, cost, and throughput.
• Lead pilot builds and turn build findings into clear design and process improvements.
• Own process FMEAs, control plans, validation studies, and build instructions for internal and contract manufacturer builds.
• Model production capacity, identify bottlenecks, and develop plans to meet output targets.
• Work with equipment integrators and contract manufacturers to implement assembly automation and custom test systems, including dynamometers.
• Drive production launch and ramp with contract manufacturers, resolving yield and quality issues on site as needed, including travel to Taiwan and Mexico.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO, with FSA and HSA options.
• One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.
• Fertility and family-building benefits through Progyny.
• Flexible time off.
• 401(k) match.

What This Job Offers

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