Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

PNI Sensor, based in Santa Rosa, CA, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize the production of precision sensor products. The ideal candidate will bridge engineering design and high-volume production, focusing on automation, calibration systems, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to minimize downtime.

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance and calibration procedures.

• Lead upgrades and improvements to automation systems and test equipment.

• Lead transition of engineering designs into manufacturing (DFM/DFT).

• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and scalability.

• Support pilot builds and ramp to full production.

• Work cross-functionally with supply chain and suppliers to ensure manufacturability.

• Support sourcing decisions, qualification of components, and cost reduction efforts.

• Address supplier-related manufacturing or quality issues.

• Track and analyze production output rates, yield, and cycle time.

• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements (Lean / Six Sigma).

• Drive cost, efficiency, and throughput improvements across manufacturing lines.

• Review product and process failures (NCMRs, RMAs, yield losses).

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

• Partner with quality and test engineering to improve product reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering (electronics, sensors, or precision devices preferred).

• Experience with automated manufacturing systems and test/calibration equipment.

• Proven experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and production ramp.

• Familiarity with supplier interaction and manufacturing supply chain.

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies.

• Experience with process development, tooling, and fixtures.

• Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, or similar).

• Root cause analysis tools (8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys).

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen.