NPI Manufacturing Engineer

The role

This person will bridge the gap between design engineering and full-scale manufacturing. They will transform early concepts into buildable electromechanical products and provide DFM feedback to design teams.

What you will do

• Partner with design engineers to provide DFM/DFA feedback.
• Translate Engineering BOMs into Manufacturing BOMs within PLM and ERP systems.
• Develop and validate SOPs, work instructions, visual build guides, and acceptance test procedures.
• Lead and coordinate NPI pilot builds.
• Design, procure, and validate custom assembly jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids.
• Partner with Production Manufacturing Engineering to design line layouts and workstation ergonomics.
• Own the formal handoff gate to production manufacturing.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity electromechanical manufacturing.
• Experience with DFM/DFA principles, EBOM-to-MBOM translations, and process routing setups within PLM/ERP environments.
• Proficiency creating visual work instructions, assembly routings, and functional test procedures.
• Ability to design basic assembly tooling, jigs, and fixtures using CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, or similar).
• Cross-functional leadership skills to orchestrate pilot builds.
• Understanding of mechanical assembly, torque specs, waterproofing/sealing techniques, and basic electrical/harnessing integration.

Nice to have

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.
• Annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Equity grants.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth options.
• Annual professional development reimbursement program.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

About the company

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). Their manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA.