Manufacturing Engineer

Western Magnetics Company; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmag in South San Francisco is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to scale and optimize manufacturing for drone motors and robot actuators. You will collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality operations.

The role requires 3+ years in manufacturing engineering, strong knowledge of automation, lean manufacturing, CAD/MES proficiency, and willingness to travel. On-site in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in manufacturing engineering, preferably in motors, actuators or robotics.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes including automation, assembly and quality control.
• Experience with root cause analysis and lean manufacturing principles.
• Proficiency with CAD and MES tooling.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and authorized to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and quality.
• Collaborate with design and quality teams for manufacturability and reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing issues.
• Support production ramp-up with scalable manufacturing techniques.
• Establish and maintain process controls and documentation.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure material quality and timely delivery.
• Use data and metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Automation

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

CAD software

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to travel

Authorized to work in the US

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

CAD software

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Job description

About Westmag

Westmag, short for Western Magnetics Company, is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators. The company designs and manufactures its products in South San Francisco, committed to building and scaling in the U.S. to serve the global market. Westmag is ramping production to serve leading drone and robot companies with millions of motors and actuators. Westmag is headquartered in South San Francisco and is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, NFDG, Menlo Ventures, and other top investors. For more information, visit westmag.com.

About the role

The Manufacturing Engineer at Westmag will play a pivotal role in scaling and optimizing the company's manufacturing processes for drone motors and robot actuators. You will work closely with design, quality, and production teams to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing operations.

What you'll own

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes and workflows to improve efficiency and product quality.

• Collaborate with design and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and reliability of products.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing issues.

• Support production ramp-up by developing scalable manufacturing techniques and protocols.

• Establish and maintain manufacturing documentation, process controls, and standards.

• Work with suppliers and vendors to ensure materials and components meet quality and delivery requirements.

• Utilize data and metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in motor, actuator, drone, or robotics manufacturing environments.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including automation, assembly, and quality control.

• Experience with root cause analysis, process improvement methodologies, and lean manufacturing principles.

• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing execution systems.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Willingness to travel as needed to support manufacturing operations.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with drone motor or robotic actuator manufacturing.

• Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.

• Knowledge of supply chain management and vendor relations.