Applied Methods
~The MetaPhysical SystemsManufacturing & Production Engineer

Manufacturing & Production Engineer

Engineers in this role guide the journey of AI hardware—from prototype to mass production—designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for PCBs, assemblies, and mechatronic systems. They partner with design teams, contract manufacturers, and cross-functional stakeholders to solve complex manufacturability challenges, conducting detailed design-for-manufacturing reviews and managing new product introductions while scaling production efficiency and quality. Typically embedded within hardware or operations teams at AI companies building inference systems, robots, or autonomous vehicles, they balance technical rigor with hands-on problem-solving, translating engineering intent into reliable, repeatable factory processes.

$ titles --canonical
Manufacturing EngineerProduction EngineerNPI EngineerManufacturing Design EngineerProcess EngineerProduct Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Test Engineer
14open jobs
7companies hiring
$02

Skills

What companies are looking for in this role.

$ skills --core

Designing and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness

95%

Developing design for manufacturability and assembly feedback during product design phases

93%

Analyzing production data and conducting root cause analysis to identify process improvements

90%

Creating and managing tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing aids to support assembly operations

90%

Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues across hardware, software, and systems domains

88%

Planning and executing new product introductions from prototype through mass production

88%

Designing plant layouts and optimizing material flow to maximize throughput and safety

85%

Performing hands-on assembly and integration of complex electromechanical systems

85%

Developing standard operating procedures and work instructions for consistent production quality

85%

Monitoring and optimizing key manufacturing metrics including yield, first-pass quality, and overall equipment effectiveness

85%

Managing manufacturing requirements, schedules, and deliverables with cross-functional teams

83%

Designing and validating test systems and diagnostics for product validation and quality assurance

82%

Conducting design reviews and validating process flows, fixtures, and assembly protocols

82%

Supporting system bring-up processes including configuration, testing, and performance validation

80%

Collaborating with suppliers and external vendors to validate manufacturing reliability and quality

80%

Performing capacity planning and calculating production resource requirements for scaling operations

78%

Executing precision soldering, rework, and board-level repair on complex electronics

72%
$ skills --emerging

Implementing automation techniques and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency

78%

Designing and deploying in-circuit test and functional circuit test systems for electronics validation

75%

Implementing and maintaining control systems and automated infrastructure monitoring solutions

65%
$ skills --soft

Communicating technical findings clearly and concisely with diverse cross-functional teams

82%

Coordinating with engineering and operations teams to balance innovation with manufacturability

78%

Leading manufacturing teams through design changes and new product launches

75%

Taking initiative and driving independent decisions in fast-paced, dynamic environments

70%

Mentoring and training technicians and engineers on manufacturing best practices and standards

68%
$03

Technology

The tools and technologies that define this role.

$ tech --language
Pythonmoderate
$ tech --platform
MESmoderate
SCADAmoderate
$ tech --tool
PLChigh
BMSmoderate
CATIAmoderate
DAQmoderate
SolidWorksmoderate
Altiumlow
EPLANlow
EPMSlow
Fusion 360low
Jiralow
$ tech --concept
BGAmoderate
CANmoderate
Ethernetmoderate
FCTmoderate
HMImoderate
ICTmoderate
SMDmoderate
FPGAlow
RS-485low
$04

Open Jobs

14 open Manufacturing & Production Engineer jobs across 7 companies.

Waymo1w
Staff PCBA DFM and Manufacturing Engineer
Mountain View, CA, US·Physical Systems
Waymo1w
Manufacturing Design Engineer (Japanese Bilingual)
Phoenix, Arizona, USA·Physical Systems
OpenAI2w
Product Manufacturing Engineer - PCB/PCBA
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Skild AI2w
Manufacturing Design Engineer (NPI & Robotics)
San Mateo·Physical Systems
Cerebras Systems1mo
Manufacturing Bring-up Engineer L2
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Sunnyvale, CA; Toronto, Ontario, Canada·Physical Systems
Cerebras Systems1mo
Manufacturing Bring-up Engineer L2
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Sunnyvale, CA; Toronto, Ontario, Canada·Physical Systems
Helsing1mo
Production Engineer - Maritime
Plymouth·Physical Systems
OpenAI1mo
Product Manufacturing Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
OpenAI2mo
Thermal-Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer
San Francisco·Physical Systems
Figure AI2mo
Electrical Rework Technician (PCBA & Micro-Soldering)
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI2mo
Manufacturing Test Engineer, PCBA
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Figure AI2mo
Manufacturing Electrical Test Engineer
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems
Crusoe2mo
Manufacturing Engineer
Arvada, CO - US·Physical Systems
Figure AI3mo
Manufacturing Engineer
San Jose, CA·Physical Systems