Manufacturing Engineer (Supply Chain) - Mechanical

JOB SUMMARY

Apptronik is building the next generation of humanoid robots, and our supply base must deliver cost-efficient, on-time, premium-quality mechanical hardware across rapidly evolving designs and increasingly ambitious production volumes. We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer embedded within our Supply Chain organization to serve as the technical authority on supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production readiness for precision-machined components, castings, additive-manufactured parts, and other mechanical hardware.

This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role. You will spend significant time on supplier factory floors evaluating machining operations, casting processes, additive manufacturing capabilities, and finishing operations — resolving production issues and qualifying new parts from prototype through rate production. The ideal candidate has deep, practical knowledge of how mechanical components are manufactured, finished, and inspected, and uses that expertise to make sourcing decisions, drive supplier development, and own production readiness at external manufacturing sites.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Process Ownership

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on mechanical manufacturing processes including CNC machining (milling, turning, multi-axis), additive manufacturing (metal and polymer 3D printing — DMLS, SLM, SLS, FDM, MJF), investment and die casting, forging, sheet metal fabrication, stamping, and secondary/finishing operations (anodizing, plating, heat treatment, surface grinding, lapping)
• Determine the ideal manufacturing method, process flow, and critical process parameters for new and re-sourced mechanical parts; define these requirements for suppliers
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and process controls through on-site assessments; identify gaps and drive corrective actions
• Review and approve supplier process documentation including control plans, PFMEAs, setup sheets, and work instructions

New Product Introduction & Supplier Qualification

• Own the end-to-end NPI lifecycle at suppliers — from manufacturing feasibility review through PPAP/FAI approval and ramp to rate production for mechanical components
• Qualify new suppliers by conducting detailed manufacturing capability assessments covering process capability (Cpk/Ppk), machine tool condition and capacity, tooling strategy, workforce competency, and throughput
• Collaborate with design and materials engineers to ensure DFM/DFA feedback is incorporated early — including material selection, tolerancing strategy, draft angles, wall thicknesses, and feature accessibility for machining or casting
• Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier transitions

Supplier Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier quality escapes on mechanical parts; drive containment, disposition, and permanent resolution
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics (PPM, OTD, first-pass yield, scrap rates) to identify systemic issues and develop data-driven improvement plans
• Create and disposition non-conformance reports and deviations, working with engineering counterparts on rework, repair, or use-as-is decisions
• Identify and implement product and process improvements that reduce cost, mitigate supply risk, eliminate defects, and improve cycle time — with particular focus on optimizing machining cycle times, reducing casting scrap, and transitioning prototype additive parts to production-intent processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the procurement team to match sourcing decisions with verified supplier manufacturing capabilities — you are the technical voice in make-vs-buy and supplier selection decisions for mechanical hardware
• Function as the manufacturing engineering liaison between purchasing, design engineering, production, and the supplier base
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers, emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., hybrid additive/subtractive processes, high-speed machining, advanced casting techniques), and capabilities relevant to robotic hardware

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience conducting supplier manufacturing process audits and capability assessments on-site at supplier facilities
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and how geometric tolerances translate to fixturing, machining strategy, and inspection methods
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA (process), control plans, MSA, and SPC — not just awareness, but direct application in a manufacturing or supplier quality context
• Experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations (8D methodology) with suppliers
• Familiarity with quality management system standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or NADCAP) and how they translate to shop-floor controls
• Proficiency with metrology tools and techniques relevant to mechanical hardware — CMM programming/interpretation, surface profilometry, optical measurement, and manual inspection tools
• Practical knowledge of mechanical material properties, heat treatment processes, and surface finish specifications and how they affect part performance and manufacturability
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic and international supplier visits)
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in robotics, aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high-reliability mechanical product environments
  • Hands-on experience with CAM software or CNC programming (understanding of toolpath strategy, feeds/speeds, and fixturing approaches)
  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing design rules and post-processing requirements (support removal, stress relief, HIP, machining of AM parts)
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
  • Experience with MRP/ERP systems and BOM management
  • Background in should-costing and manufacturing cost modeling for machined, cast, and fabricated parts
  • Experience scaling production from prototype or low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production
  • Familiarity with ASTM or AMS material and process specifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline (a degree is required — related STEM degrees will be considered only with directly applicable manufacturing engineering experience)
• 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering experience in at least two of the following: CNC machining (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis milling and/or turning), metal or polymer additive manufacturing, investment casting, die casting, forging, sheet metal fabrication, or precision mechanical assembly

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
• Must be able to stand and walk on manufacturing floors for extended periods during supplier visits
• Vision to read printed materials, a computer screen, and inspect parts and assemblies
• Hearing and speech to communicate