Forward Deployed Engineer

Salary Range: 115000 to 145000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

What You’ll Do:

• Lead Technical Execution at Customer Sites

• Analyze and modify CAD models to ensure compatibility with the RoboForming process.

• Use Machina’s software stack to convert CAD models into toolpaths for execution on RoboCraftsman cells.

• Support customer production programs by analyzing RoboForming process data and 3D scan results to assess part quality and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Design and execute structured experiments (DOE) to optimize forming parameters and toolpath strategies for customer applications.

• Work autonomously, make informed decisions with incomplete data, and rapidly iterate based on results.

• Document processes, experiments, results, and analyses to drive continuous improvement across Machina’s engineering teams.

• Maintain Cell Performance and Production Readiness

• Oversee day-to-day operation of customer-site RoboCraftsman cells, ensuring reliable performance and production output.

• Support customer operators and technicians by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and training.

• Develop and release manufacturing procedures and work instructions tailored to customer workflows.

• Test and validate hardware and software upgrades prior to production deployment.

• Maintain detailed records of process changes, validation activities, and system improvements.

• Serve as the Interface Between Customer and Machina

• Act as the primary technical point of contact between the customer and Machina engineering teams.

• Surface issues, coordinate investigations, and drive resolution across Product, Software, Manufacturing Engineering, and Robotic Process Engineering teams.

• Partner closely with internal teams to incorporate customer learnings into product and process roadmaps.

• Contribute to technical discussions with customer stakeholders to ensure projects remain aligned, successful, and on schedule.

What We’re Looking For:

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering field.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, robotics, automation, prototyping, or related engineering environments.

• Proficiency with CAD software and familiarity with CAM workflows, toolpath generation, CNC programming, robotics, or automated manufacturing systems.

• Experience designing, testing, and implementing manufacturing process improvements, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience using data to drive technical decisions.

• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments, making rapid decisions, and adapting to changing customer and production needs.

• Hands-on experience in manufacturing, machine shop, prototyping, or production environments.

• Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role (forward-deployed, field engineering, applications engineering, or similar).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with industrial robotics platforms (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, etc.).

• Experience with metrology, 3D scanning, or inspection systems.

• Knowledge of GD&T and precision measurement principles.

• Additional Requirements

• Willingness to complete several months of training at Machina Labs HQ in California before transitioning to a long-term customer-site deployment.

• Ability to travel up to 10%.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs. 

Machina Labs is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with state and federal law. 

We endeavor to make the job application process accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at (888)444-9777. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications.