Hardware Manufacturing Engineer Hardware

Frontdoor Defense; Sunnyvale, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Intuition in Sunnyvale, California, is seeking a hands-on Hardware Manufacturing Engineer to lead end-to-end manufacturing and NPI bring-up for physical AI hardware platforms. You will collaborate with contract manufacturers and internal teams to establish robust assembly processes and ensure scalable production.

The role requires DFM/DFA/DFT reviews, tooling and SOP setup, automated fixtures, and close coordination with customers on milestones and delivery schedules.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on hardware manufacturing experience.
• Experience with domestic and international contract manufacturers.
• DFX knowledge and production line bring-up skills.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related engineering field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing, assembly, and test operations across CM partners.
• Perform DFM, DFA, and DFT reviews on hardware components and systems.
• Drive NPI builds, tooling setup, SOPs, and automated fixtures.
• Coordinate with enterprise customers on milestones and delivery schedules.
• Troubleshoot failures, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and supply chain to scale production.

Skills

Hardware manufacturing

NPI engineering

Contract manufacturers

DFM/ DFA/ DFT

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Altium

Job description

Hardware Manufacturing Engineer

Own end-to-end hardware manufacturing and NPI bring-up for physical AI hardware platforms

Location: Sunnyvale, California

Compensation: $150,000 - 175,000 USD / year

About The Role

Hardware Manufacturing Engineer

Applied Intuition is seeking a hands-on Hardware Manufacturing Engineer to drive end-to-end manufacturing execution and NPI bring-up for physical AI hardware platforms. In this role, you will work closely with domestic and international contract manufacturers, establish robust assembly processes, and drive production line bring-up across consumer electronics volume lines and complex physical industries (automotive, trucking, defense, construction, mining, or agriculture). You will ensure seamless transition from design to scalable manufacturing while delivering top-quality hardware products to our global enterprise customers.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• Oversee and optimize manufacturing, assembly, and test operations across domestic and international contract manufacturing partners.
• Perform Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) reviews on hardware components and system integrations.
• Drive new product introduction (NPI) builds, setting up tooling, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and automated assembly test fixtures.
• Work directly with external enterprise customers to align on production milestones, technical build requirements, and hardware delivery schedules.
• Troubleshoot complex hardware assembly failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to continually raise the quality bar.
• Partner cross-functionally with hardware design engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to transition prototype products into high-yield volume production.

We're looking for someone who has:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in hardware manufacturing engineering, NPI engineering, or hardware operations.
• A hybrid background combining experience in consumer electronics and at least one complex physical sector (automotive, trucking, defense, construction, mining, or agriculture).
• Proven track record of managing domestic and international contract manufacturers and component vendors.
• Hands-on expertise in production line bring-up, manufacturing process development, root cause analysis, and yield optimization.
• Customer-first mindset with strong communication skills and experience directly interfacing with enterprise customers or external vendors.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Nice to have:

• Experience with ruggedized industrial compute, electronic control units (ECUs), sensor integration, or complex wire harness assemblies.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Altium) and manufacturing documentation/PLM systems.

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.

FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request. If you require an accommodation please contact [e-mail]. We will work with you!