DFMA Engineer

Reframe Systems Inc; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Reframe Systems Inc in Andover, MA is seeking a DFMA Project Engineer who ensures what we design can be built in our factory and that field teams have what they need. You will join the Design Engineering team, map build information into our models, and verify buildability from design through module release and field set.

This hybrid role blends hands-on construction know‑how with engineering and translation work on the factory floor, offering exposure to design reviews, manufacturing planning,

Qualifications

• Hands-on construction background in carpentry, framing, or building trades.
• Ability to fluently read architectural and structural drawings.
• Proficiency in CAD/BIM tools (Revit or Onshape) and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate horizontal and vertical assemblies for manufacturability and factory/field tradeoffs.
• Participate in per-project DFMA reviews and weekly engineering calls, flagting manufacturability issues early.
• Represent buildability in discussions with architects and consultants using established standards.
• Ensure model reflects build reality: design intent, drawings, and floor behavior.
• Map build and process information into the model and define what each process requires for operators.
• Review production plans, release readiness, and create handoff documentation for new materials or processes.
• Diagnose floor issues from end-of-shift debriefs and resolve tolerance or alignment problems.
• Create first articles and mockups for project-specific needs; brief leads on changes; translate instructions for floor readiness.

Skills

Hands-on construction

CAD/BIM proficiency

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Reading drawings

Tools

Revit

Onshape

CAD

Job description

ABOUT REFRAME

Reframe Systems is a Physical AI and robotics company on a mission to make high-performance housing attainable and abundant in the communities where people want to live. Through our vertically integrated delivery model and highly automated microfactories, we deliver climate resilient homes and buildings with greater speed and predictability than traditional construction.

Our volumetric modular buildings are produced in our Andover, MA microfactory, with a growing pipeline across North America and a new microfactory on the way. We are building a system that balances repeatability with site-responsive design, enabling homes that are adaptable to each site, community, and customer need. Our cross-disciplinary team brings together architecture, robotics, design engineering, software, factory operations, and field delivery to change how housing gets delivered.

We’re reimagining the future of housing through a smarter and more sustainable system that empowers people to live better. Come build it with us.

THE ROLE

Every Reframe project travels from architectural intent, through a detailed 3D model, to work instructions on the factory floor, to modules set on a foundation. The DFMA Project Engineer is the person who makes sure what we design is what our factory can build, and that the people building it have everything they need.

You will be embedded with our Design Engineering team and own buildability for your projects from early design through module release and field set. You bring real construction knowledge into the room when design decisions are being made, map the build information into our models alongside our modelers, and stand behind every module released to the floor. This is a hybrid role: part builder, part engineer, part translator. You will spend time at a desk in the model, in design reviews with architects, and on the factory floor and project sites with your tools.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

During design (SD/DD)

• Evaluate horizontal and vertical assemblies for compliance with our automation systems, cost, and shape the factory vs. field split for each project

• Participate in recurring per-project DFMA reviews and weekly engineering calls, flagging design decisions that degrade manufacturability before they become expensive

• Represent buildability at the table with architects and consultants, drawing on established building system standards

During modeling and module release

• Work with Design Engineering to ensure the model reflects build reality: design intent, structural drawings, and the way the floor actually works

• Map build and process information into the model: assigning parts to the right kits, panels, and processes, and defining what each process requires for operators to execute

• Review production plans, assembly views, and release readiness for every module before it hits the floor

• Create handoff documentation for every new material, process, or strategy, and develop shop drawings for new processes

On the floor and in the field

• Diagnose and resolve floor issues raised in end-of-shift debriefs: tolerance stackups, integration speed, framing quality, alignment

• Build project-specific mockups and first articles before design lock

• Brief factory and field leads on what changed from the last project and the unique details to watch for

• Author set instructions and provide hands‑on support during set and button‑up

• Translate manufacturer instructions into floor‑ready processes for specified products

• Convert factory and site pain into feedback that improves our projects and standards

WHO YOU ARE

• A hands‑on building background: carpentry, framing, residential or commercial construction, with exposure to MEP trades a strong plus

• Able to fluently read architectural and structural drawing sets and spot what won’t work before it’s framed

• Comfortable in a CAD or BIM environment (Revit, Onshape, or similar), or motivated to become proficient; we will not ask you to be an expert modeler, but you will work inside the model

• Experience in a factory, shop, or prefab environment a plus

• A clear communicator who can move between architects, engineers, and builders and be trusted by all three

• Organized and follow‑through oriented: you close loops, document decisions, and don’t let details fall between meetings

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The gap between a beautiful drawing set and a module rolling off the line is where construction projects go to die. You are the person who closes that gap. As Reframe scales from one project at a time to a portfolio, the engineers in this role are how our build knowledge shows up on every project, every module, every time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Reframe Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you believe you have the skills to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements. At this time, we are only considering candidates who are authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.