Lead Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineer

Stealth Startup; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Stealth Startup in San Francisco is seeking a hands-on Lead Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineer to own Microfactory v1, scale production, and build scalable manufacturing infrastructure from the ground up. You will lead equipment selection, plant layout, robotic automation, and supplier coordination, while driving lean processes and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced startup.

The ideal candidate has a master's degree in engineering, 5+ years of hands-on experience, and is comfortable

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Operations Research.
• Specialization in Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, or Mechatronics is highly preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on industry experience in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or production operations.
• Proven experience taking prototypes from development into real-world factory production.
• Experience implementing robotic automation, lean manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to engineering.
• Ability to work independently and build manufacturing systems in an evolving startup environment.
• Must currently reside within commuting distance of San Francisco.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing development and operations for Microfactory v1.
• Drive equipment selection, plant layout, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Develop and implement robotic automation and scalable production systems.
• Manage supply chain operations, production yield, and unit economics.
• Lead the transition of new products from prototype development to full-scale production.
• Establish lean manufacturing processes and operational best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Build and scale manufacturing operations in a fast-paced startup environment.

Skills

Robotics

Lean manufacturing

Automation

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Operations Research

Job description

Lead Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineer

Base Salary: $170,000–$220,000 per year + Meaningful Startup Equity

About the Opportunity

An early-stage climate technology startup is developing innovative autonomous micro-factories that manufacture ultra-thin, single-use clay cups on demand. These cups are designed to break down into dust after use, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional disposable cups.

With current production reaching tens of thousands of cups per month and ambitious plans to scale manufacturing by at least 10x over the next year, the company is seeking a hands-on Lead Manufacturing / Mechanical Engineer to lead manufacturing development and operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of Microfactory v1 and help build scalable manufacturing infrastructure from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing development and operations for Microfactory v1.
• Drive equipment selection, plant layout, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Develop and implement robotic automation and scalable production systems.
• Manage supply chain operations, production yield, and unit economics.
• Lead the transition of new products from prototype development to full-scale production.
• Establish lean manufacturing processes and operational best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Build and scale manufacturing operations in a fast-paced startup environment.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Operations Research.
• Specialization in Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, or Mechatronics is highly preferred.
• 5+ years of hands‑on industry experience in manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or production operations.
• Proven experience taking prototypes from development into real-world factory production.
• Experience implementing robotic automation, lean manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical problem‑solving skills and a hands‑on approach to engineering.
• Ability to work independently and build manufacturing systems in an evolving startup environment.
• Must currently reside within commuting distance of San Francisco.

Work Arrangement

• Work Model: 100% Onsite
• Travel: Occasional international travel may be required, including potential trips to Berlin.
• Compensation: $170,000–$220,000 annual base salary + meaningful startup equity.

Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced manufacturing engineer who enjoys building, scaling, and optimizing production systems.

Candidates should have strong manufacturing execution experience rather than a background focused exclusively on CAD, design, or simulation.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineering leader who thrives in an early-stage startup environment and is excited to build manufacturing operations without an established playbook.

Note: This position is not suitable for early-career candidates or those seeking remote or hybrid work.

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