Job Description

Locus Robotics is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Level III) to play a key role in launching new products – leading and executing manufacturing (local) readiness activities with contract manufacturers and Locus’ internal manufacturing team. You will be responsible for ensuring that designs are optimized for mass production through Dfx (Design for Excellence). You will continually improve released products to achieve cost reduction and volume growth goals. Your expertise in new product introduction, commodity knowledge, yield improvement, and production scaling will be essential to success in this position, which spans the entire product life cycle.

In order to work with Locus products, you must have broad knowledge of various commodities and processes, ranging from metal fabrication, PCBAs, cables, plastics, motors, bearings, and EM assemblies. You will have a proven track record leading small teams and collaborating with suppliers and contract manufacturers on new product introduction and product/process improvement programs. In addition, you will apply your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze product anomalies and process deficiencies to support quality improvement and customer success objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Execute manufacturing readiness activities on NPI products that scale to meet mid-high volume levels (thousands of units annually).

• Champion Dfx through design reviews with development teams to improve the design process for next-generation products.

• Develop and introduce processes using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

• Develop production strategies to improve TAKT time, increase efficiency and flow, and optimize floor space.

• Reduce manufacturing costs and errors using Total Quality Control techniques.

• Qualify external suppliers’ and contract manufacturers’ parts and processes.

• Verify as-built configurations and drive ECO (engineering change order) implementation at contract manufacturers and suppliers.

• Work collaboratively with contract manufacturing suppliers, performing regular on-site reviews related to new product introduction activities, process improvement, problem solving, cost reduction, and business reviews.

• Perform problem solving and root cause analysis on a variety of products, including complex robotic systems, mechanical parts/assemblies, cables, plastics, PCBAs and software controlled electromechanical assemblies.

• Review engineering releases and changes for technical content and clarity for manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in automation, robotics, and or equivalent field supporting design and production.

• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills in areas of new product introduction, continuous improvement and cost reduction programs.

• CAD proficiency, including the ability to create parametric solid models and drawings in Creo, SolidWorks, or similar software.

• Broad knowledge of lifecycle management through Omnify PLM or equivalent.

• Experience working with contract manufacturers and commodity suppliers. • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Team Oriented Problem Solving using globally accepted methodologies such as 8D, CAPA, DMAIC, PDCA, FMEA, DOE, FTA, etc.

• Strong communication skills to effectively report to management.

• Extensive hands-on experience qualifying fabrication processes in production environments, including: o sheet metal forming o metal castings (die cast, sand, permanent mold) o welded metal assemblies o plastic molding processes (thermoforming, injection molding, gas assist, structural foam)

• Up to 50% local travel. Travel is primarily between our MA/NH Locus facilities and to our Locus Contract Manufacturers

• This role is full-time and on-site at our Locus MA/NH location.