Manufacturing Engineer

Trust Automation, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,940 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Trust Automation, Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design and implement product realization processes from prototype to volume manufacturing, with a focus on quality, safety, and on-time delivery objectives.

The role involves supporting program management, tooling development, workflow optimization, and collaboration with engineering, procurement, and quality teams to drive lean improvements and cost reductions across LRIP to Released Manufacturing stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 2–5 years experience, or 5–9 years related experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM Vault file management.
• Proficiency with OrCAD/Altium.
• Proficiency using MRP/ERP.
• Professional written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in applying Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent arithmetic and logic ability.
• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in high‑paced, multi‑faceted working environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Manufacturing Program Manager regarding program, product, process, and schedule directives.
• Design, fabricate, and/or facilitate the development of product‑specific assembly and test tooling and equipment with ENG and MFGE Technicians.
• Develop workcell layout and tooling/equipment requirements, using Lean Six Sigma and 5S+1 principles.
• Establish Value Stream Maps of the build and test processes during early product phases, then iterate those maps during changes in volume and product configurations.
• Work directly with Engineering teams for DFM/DFA input in product design cycles.
• Support procurement activities, inventory management, and capacity planning through ERP BOM reviews and changes with configuration management specialists.
• Serve as or support Trust's primary contacts for suppliers on manufacturing/quality inquiries and issues.
• Assist the MPM in creating production plans through LRIP to allow handoff to Manufacturing with outputs that include Production Lists/BOMs, Work Instructions, assembly and test fixturing, and resource capacity.
• Train/mentor MFG and MFGE team members on assembly and test techniques and methodologies.
• Hands‑on assembly and/or testing during Prototype and LRIP phases; perform duties of the MFGE Technician when needed.
• Once product lines are transitioned to Released Manufacturing phase, focus on continuous improvements and develop proposals using lean optimization tools and principles.
• Team with Configuration Management as technical reference for change proposals through the ISS/DCO/ECO process.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to transfer in‑house labor to lower‑cost contract manufacturers, facilitating data and documentation to propose labor transfer and working with MPM on schedule cut‑ins based on cost and lead time.
• Work alongside Quality personnel to identify and mitigate trending impediments to OTD objectives through quantitative analysis of failure data, then propose robust solutions.
• With Materials and Quality teams, engage current and potential suppliers to identify opportunities in cost and lead time while ensuring or improving design intent and part reliability.
• Collaborate with design and test engineering personnel to feedback manufacturing challenges and create cost‑saving opportunities through design improvements and assembly/test automation.
• Recommend disposition for failed components/assemblies via NCR and MRB processes while assessing costs, lead time, and inventory impacts.
• Lead or participate in inter‑ and intra‑departmental teams for focused and actionable solutions during line‑down events (rapid response, tiger teams).

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Self-supervision

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SolidWorks and PDM Vault

OrCAD/Altium

MRP/ERP

Job description

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce. Every employee is at-will; employment is at mutual consent and can be terminated by either party at will.

Job Summary

The primary purpose of the Manufacturing Engineer position is to design and implement product realization processes from prototype through volume manufacturing, continuously analyzing and improving those processes to increase product quality, enhance safety, reduce labor, and support on-time delivery objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Manufacturing Program Manager regarding program, product, process, and schedule directives.
• Design, fabricate, and/or facilitate the development of product‑specific assembly and test tooling and equipment with ENG and MFGE Technicians.
• Develop workcell layout and tooling/equipment requirements, using Lean Six Sigma and 5S+1 principles.
• Establish Value Stream Maps of the build and test processes during early product phases, then iterate those maps during changes in volume and product configurations.
• Work directly with Engineering teams for DFM/DFA input in product design cycles.
• Support procurement activities, inventory management, and capacity planning through ERP BOM reviews and changes with configuration management specialists.
• Serve as or support Trust's primary contacts for suppliers on manufacturing/quality inquiries and issues.
• Assist the MPM in creating production plans through LRIP to allow handoff to Manufacturing with outputs that include Production Lists/BOMs, Work Instructions, assembly and test fixturing, and resource capacity.
• Train/mentor MFG and MFGE team members on assembly and test techniques and methodologies.
• Hands‑on assembly and/or testing during Prototype and LRIP phases; perform duties of the MFGE Technician when needed.
• Once product lines are transitioned to Released Manufacturing phase, focus on continuous improvements and develop proposals using lean optimization tools and principles.
• Team with Configuration Management as technical reference for change proposals through the ISS/DCO/ECO process.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to transfer in‑house labor to lower‑cost contract manufacturers, facilitating data and documentation to propose labor transfer and working with MPM on schedule cut‑ins based on cost and lead time.
• Work alongside Quality personnel to identify and mitigate trending impediments to OTD objectives through quantitative analysis of failure data, then propose robust solutions.
• With Materials and Quality teams, engage current and potential suppliers to identify opportunities in cost and lead time while ensuring or improving design intent and part reliability.
• Collaborate with design and test engineering personnel to feedback manufacturing challenges and create cost‑saving opportunities through design improvements and assembly/test automation.
• Recommend disposition for failed components/assemblies via NCR and MRB processes while assessing costs, lead time, and inventory impacts.
• Lead or participate in inter‑ and intra‑departmental teams for focused and actionable solutions during line‑down events (rapid response, tiger teams).

AS9100 Assurance

Under AS9100 guidelines, understand and implement the following TA Processes to satisfy objectives in Customer Service, product design and improvement, sub‑tier collaboration and quality assurance, and manufacturing throughput:

• Corrective Action (CA)
• Continuous Improvement (CI)
• Engineering Change Order (ECO)
• Document Change Order (DCO)

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and 2–5 years experience, or 5–9 years related experience.
• Comprehension of mechanical or electrical drawings/schematics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and PDM Vault file management.
• Proficiency with OrCAD/Altium.
• Proficiency using MRP/ERP.
• Professional written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in applying Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent arithmetic and logic ability.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to perform the above duties with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in high‑paced, multi‑faceted working environments with frequent changes in priority and responsibility.
• Ability to maintain day‑to‑day information required to develop or manufacture products and keep customer satisfaction at its highest level.
• May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone, or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Vision to read a variety of materials.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Physical agility to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height; items that weigh more than 50 pounds require two or more people or a lifting device.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

Pay scale for this position: $90,940.00 – $113,000.00 annually.