Manufacturing Engineer I

Teknova Inc; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Teknova Inc in California is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer I to support manufacturing operations through process optimization, troubleshooting, and compliance-driven support. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 2-4 years of manufacturing or engineering experience. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and effective communication skills are essential.

This position offers opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of manufacturing or engineering experience preferred.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience with automated manufacturing equipment and production systems preferred.
• Understanding of GMP requirements and regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing process solutions.
• Support day-to-day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in deviation investigations and process improvement projects.
• Communicate project status and risks to management.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Industrial equipment

Continuous improvement methodologies

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Join the Teknova Team and Help Shape the Future of Health

When you join the Teknova team, you’re helping to create the future of health. Our customers are working to discover novel therapies that will help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives. We make sure they have a reliable supply of the essential ingredients they need to succeed, and every member of our team plays an important role.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Manufacturing Engineer I supports manufacturing operations through process optimization, continuous improvement initiatives, troubleshooting, and implementation of industrial and automated systems, asset management activities, and compliance driven manufacturing support. This role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Facilities, and other cross‑functional teams to improve operational efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing performance. This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

Our Culture

At Teknova, our culture is all about creative problem solving, and our default answer is “Yes.” We’re customer‑obsessed and go all in for them and each other. We aren’t interested in the status quo—we want to discover what’s possible. We’re bold and built to change. We go above and beyond to develop novel products that help our customers get reliable results, engineer formats that fit their systems, and find ways to ship out their orders one day sooner. Every time we help our customers work more efficiently; we bring them a step closer to that big breakthrough.

Our Values

We value the unique personality and background of everyone on our team—we want you to be you. By working together and sharing our skills, we find new and better solutions for our customers. The people on our team are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re here to support them.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement manufacturing process solutions to address operational capability gaps, including optimization of existing equipment and evaluation, specification, or procurement of new equipment as needed.
• Support day‑to‑day manufacturing operations by troubleshooting manufacturing, industrial, and/or automated equipment issues to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process documentation, and engineering records.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives utilizing lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and data‑driven problem‑solving methodologies.
• Participate in deviation investigations, CAPA activities, nonconformance reviews, and process improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Process, and Quality Engineering for the creation and execution of validation documents (RTM, CP, IOPQ, etc.) as well as data generation, and report generation.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, status reports, and implementation plans using project management tools.
• Maintain accurate equipment and asset records within the company’s asset management system.
• Track equipment lifecycle activities including installation, maintenance history, calibration status, repairs, upgrades, and replacement planning.
• Assist in developing standardized asset management procedures and equipment documentation.
• Support manufacturing readiness activities for new products, process and/or equipment changes, or scale‑up initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements, company procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Communicate project status, risks, and timeline impacts to management and key stakeholders.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) Life Sciences, or related technical discipline.
• 2 – 4 years of manufacturing or engineering experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial equipment, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands‑on troubleshooting experience with automated manufacturing equipment and production systems preferred.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and process related manufacturing issues.
• Familiarity with industrial automation systems, equipment controls, sensors, and manufacturing support systems preferred.
• Understanding of GMP requirements and regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong analytical and root cause investigation skills with the ability to interpret technical data and develop effective corrective actions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of equipment lifecycle management, preventive maintenance strategies, and equipment reliability concepts.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.