Manufacturing Engineer (Supply Chain) - Mechanical

About the role

Apptronik is building the next generation of humanoid robots, and our supply base must deliver cost-efficient, on-time, premium-quality mechanical hardware across rapidly evolving designs and increasingly ambitious production volumes. We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer embedded within our Supply Chain organization to serve as the technical authority on supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production readiness for precision-machined components, castings, additive-manufactured parts, and other mechanical hardware.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on mechanical manufacturing processes including CNC machining (milling, turning, multi-axis), additive manufacturing (metal and polymer 3D printing — DMLS, SLM, SLS, FDM, MJF), investment and die casting, forging, sheet metal fabrication, stamping, and secondary/finishing operations (anodizing, plating, heat treatment, surface grinding, lapping)
• Determine the ideal manufacturing method, process flow, and critical process parameters for new and re-sourced mechanical parts; define these requirements for suppliers
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and process controls through on-site assessments; identify gaps and drive corrective actions
• Review and approve supplier process documentation including control plans, PFMEAs, setup sheets, and work instructions
• Own the end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycle at suppliers — from manufacturing feasibility review through PPAP/FAI approval and ramp to rate production for mechanical components
• Qualify new suppliers by conducting detailed manufacturing capability assessments covering process capability (Cpk/Ppk), machine tool condition and capacity, tooling strategy, workforce competency, and throughput
• Collaborate with design and materials engineers to ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM)/Design for Assembly (DFA) feedback is incorporated early — including material selection, tolerancing strategy, draft angles, wall thicknesses, and feature accessibility for machining or casting
• Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier transitions
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier quality escapes on mechanical parts; drive containment, disposition, and permanent resolution
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics (PPM, OTD, first-pass yield, scrap rates) to identify systemic issues and develop data-driven improvement plans
• Create and disposition non-conformance reports and deviations, working with engineering counterparts on rework, repair, or use-as-is decisions
• Identify and implement product and process improvements that reduce cost, mitigate supply risk, eliminate defects, and improve cycle time — with particular focus on optimizing machining cycle times, reducing casting scrap, and transitioning prototype additive parts to production-intent processes
• Partner with the procurement team to match sourcing decisions with verified supplier manufacturing capabilities — you are the technical voice in make-vs-buy and supplier selection decisions for mechanical hardware
• Function as the manufacturing engineering liaison between purchasing, design engineering, production, and the supplier base
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers, emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., hybrid additive/subtractive processes, high-speed machining, advanced casting techniques), and capabilities relevant to robotic hardware

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience conducting supplier manufacturing process audits and capability assessments on-site at supplier facilities
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and how geometric tolerances translate to fixturing, machining strategy, and inspection methods
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA (process), control plans, MSA, and SPC — not just awareness, but direct application in a manufacturing or supplier quality context
• Experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations (8D methodology) with suppliers
• Familiarity with quality management system standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or NADCAP) and how they translate to shop-floor controls
• Proficiency with metrology tools and techniques relevant to mechanical hardware — CMM programming/interpretation, surface profilometry, optical measurement, and manual inspection tools
• Practical knowledge of mechanical material properties, heat treatment processes, and surface finish specifications and how they affect part performance and manufacturability
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic and international supplier visits)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in robotics, aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability mechanical product environments
• Hands-on experience with CAM software or CNC programming (understanding of toolpath strategy, feeds/speeds, and fixturing approaches)
• Familiarity with additive manufacturing design rules and post-processing requirements (support removal, stress relief, HIP, machining of AM parts)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and BOM management
• Background in should-costing and manufacturing cost modeling for machined, cast, and fabricated parts
• Experience scaling production from prototype or low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production
• Familiarity with ASTM or AMS material and process specifications

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline (a degree is required — related STEM degrees will be considered only with directly applicable manufacturing engineering experience)
• 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in at least two of the following: CNC machining (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis milling and/or turning), metal or polymer additive manufacturing, investment casting, die casting, forging, sheet metal fabrication, or precision mechanical assembly

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Must be able to stand and walk on manufacturing floors for extended periods during supplier visits
• Vision to read printed materials, a computer screen, and inspect parts and assemblies
• Hearing and speech to communicate