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Waabi is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and production launch activities for autonomous vehicle hardware systems. You will own the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) program at contract manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers, driving the transition from prototype to high-volume production.
Key responsibilities include:
- Drive APQP program management across manufacturing partners, ensuring flawless Start of Production (SOP) and complete PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) deliverables.
- Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Assembly (DFA) reviews during APQP Phase 2, providing feedback on manufacturability with partner-specific tooling and equipment.
- Support supplier quality engineering by validating component-level PPAPs from sub-tier vendors and their integration into assembly processes.
- Own mechanical assembly, test, and integration of sensors, compute, and actuation systems; define special characteristics and manufacturing process steps.
- Develop and deploy End-of-Line (EOL) testers and calibration routines to validate hardware "digital health."
- Lead Process PPAP deliverable development including PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Work Instructions with error-proofing solutions.
- Design and qualify manufacturing equipment, tooling, and gauges; ensure GD&T compliance through Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R studies.
- Support Process Verification (PV) testing and "Run-at-Rate" studies to validate manufacturing line capability at full production speed.
- Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) using 8D methodology to resolve assembly failures during manufacturing.
- Manage metrology and MSA to ensure all gauges and inspection fixtures are qualified before production use.
- Collaborate with Field Quality teams to update Control Plans based on real-world performance data and OEM partner feedback.
Required qualifications: BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent; proven NPI and contract manufacturer oversight experience in automotive or high-tech hardware; mastery of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, and Gage R&R; proficiency with Solidworks; deep expertise in GD&T and metrology; strong 8D and RCCA problem-solving skills; experience with PLM tools and ECO management; familiarity with precision torque, thermal interface material dispensing, and sensor calibration processes.
Highly preferred: automotive, aerospace, autonomous vehicle, or EV industry experience; IPC/WHMA-A-620 and IPC-A-610 knowledge; robotic workcell or automated assembly systems experience; CQE or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
