Principal Hardware Mfg Engineer - DFx & Factory Lead

Palo Alto Networks

Santa Clara (CA)

On-site

USD 129,000 - 209,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, based in Santa Clara, seeks a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead the product lifecycle from development to mass production. You will partner with contract manufacturers to ensure seamless design-for-manufacturability, quality, and cost targets while supporting hardware product launches and ongoing supply chain excellence.

In this high-impact role, you will own DFx reviews, lead factory readiness, manage complex BOM structures in PLM, and drive ECOs for NPI and design

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
Hands-on experience in DFM, DFA and FMEA, PFMEA, tolerance analysis, DoE, SPC, GR&R, and CpK.
Proficiency in CAD tools for component placement reviews.
Hands-on experience in SMT assembly processes (solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, SPI).
Ability to read schematics, perform BOM reviews and BOM ECOs.
Expertise in design and manufacturing processes, including mechanical assembly, printed circuit boards, and electro-mechanical integration. A focus on mechanical design is a significant advantage.
Proficiency with PLM software (e.g., Arena, Agile).
A proven track record of successfully launching and sustaining complex electro-mechanical products into manufacturing environments.
Extensive experience collaborating with contract manufacturers in low/medium volume, high-mix production environments.
Experience with various product development models, such as OEM, JDM, and ODM.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to lead multiple fast-paced projects simultaneously.
Outstanding communication skills, capable of engaging professionally and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from technical peers to senior leadership and external suppliers.
The ability to travel regularly to Palo Alto Networks' corporate locations and participate in calls with global teams as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead DFx reviews to ensure manufacturability, quality, time-to-market, and cost targets.
Own factory readiness for all assigned new product programs and lead manufacturing and assembly activities on-site.
Define and structure BOMs and assemblies within PLM tools; manage ECOs and deviations with cross-functional teams.
Drive ECOs to support NPI, design changes, manufacturing process improvements, and quality issue resolutions.
Lead Root Cause, Corrective and Preventive Actions at the factory for complex issues.
Provide sustaining engineering support for failure analysis and field issues across global customers.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives across Manufacturing Engineering and Technical Operations.