Hardware Build Manager — Prototyping to Low-Volume Production

Jobtailor; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced Hardware Build Engineer to plan and manage prototype‑to‑low‑volume production builds in a Berkeley lab. You will coordinate with engineering and suppliers, track BOMs and part availability, and resolve manufacturability bottlenecks while maintaining safe shop floor operations.

Responsibilities include maintaining lab layout, equipment, tooling, and ongoing documentation control, with travel up to 10% as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering (or equivalent).
• 3–5 years in manufacturing, production, or hardware build engineering, preferably prototype‑to‑low‑volume.
• Hands‑on experience managing hardware builds and shop/lab environments.
• Experience with sourcing and vendor development.
• Experience with inventory and materials management.
• Knowledge of BOM management, revision control, and documentation control practices.
• Strong project management skills—able to track multiple builds, deadlines and stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate with design engineers and translate design intent into buildable processes.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and self‑directed in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Google Docs/Sheets.
• Office Berkeley daily work requirement; travel 5–10%.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage hardware builds from prototype through low‑volume production, coordinating across engineering and vendors.
• Track build status, BOMs, and part availability to keep builds on schedule.
• Identify and resolve manufacturability bottlenecks with design engineers.
• Own the day‑to‑day operation of the lab and shop floor—layout, equipment, tooling, consumables, and safety.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Documentation Control

Quality Checks

Design-for-Manufacturability

Calibration

Assembly Procedures

Test Protocols

Change Management

Detail-Oriented

Organized

Self-Directed

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Google Docs

Google Sheets

Job description

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced Hardware Build Engineer to plan and manage prototype‑to‑low‑volume production builds in a Berkeley lab. You will coordinate with engineering and suppliers, track BOMs and part availability, and resolve manufacturability bottlenecks while maintaining safe shop floor operations.

Responsibilities include maintaining lab layout, equipment, tooling, and ongoing documentation control, with travel up to 10% as needed.