Senior Manufacturing Engineer, NPI

At Serve Robotics, we’re reimagining how things move in cities. Our personable sidewalk robot is our vision for the future. It’s designed to take deliveries away from congested streets, make deliveries available to more people, and benefit local businesses. The Serve fleet has been delighting merchants, customers, and pedestrians along the way in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago while doing commercial deliveries. We’re looking for talented individuals who will grow robotic deliveries from surprising novelty to efficient ubiquity. WHO WE ARE We are tech industry veterans in software, hardware, and design who are pooling our skills to build the future we want to live in. We are solving real-world problems leveraging robotics, machine learning and computer vision, among other disciplines, with a mindful eye towards the end-to-end user experience. Our team is agile, diverse, and driven. We believe that the best way to solve complicated dynamic problems is collaboratively and respectfully. We are seeking a highly technical, self-driven Senior Manufacturing NPI Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and qualification of Final Assembly, Test, and Packout (FATP) processes from early design through mass production. This role spans the full product lifecycle including product design, EVT, DVT, and production ramp—and serves as the primary technical bridge between US based design teams and manufacturing partners in Malaysia and China. You will drive manufacturing readiness by defining and validating state of the art assembly processes and precision equipment, including adhesive dispensing, torque controlled fastening, and complex mechanical assemblies. Through strong ownership of DFM/DFA, PFMEA, and process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), you will proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing risks, ensuring robust process capability, yield, and scalability. Beyond NPI, you will play a critical role in sustaining production by leading continuous improvement initiatives, driving yield enhancement, cost reduction, and long-term process stability. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguous environments, takes initiative without direction, and combines deep technical expertise with hands on execution and cross-functional leadership to deliver reliable, high volume manufacturing and on time product launches. Responsibilities - Process & Equipment Qualification: Lead equipment and fixture qualification, including correlation studies, Cp/Cpk analysis, and Gage R&R to ensure process capability and stability. - FATP & Line Development: Design, develop, and optimize Final Assembly, Test, and Pack-out (FATP) lines for medium to high volume production, including automation and inspection systems. - New Product Introduction (NPI): Drive NPI builds from prototype through pilot to production, partnering with design teams to implement DFM/DFA and ensure manufacturability. - Production Ramp & Scaling: Own production ramp strategies, including yield stabilization, and capacity planning. - Dimensional & Tolerance Analysis: Perform complex tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T principles to ensure robust mechanical integration and product performance. - Data-Driven Engineering: Define validation requirements, execute DOE, and perform root-cause analysis to improve yield, reliability, and process robustness. - Automation & Motion Control: Develop and integrate advanced automation systems (robotics, pneumatics, servo systems), including vision systems (CCD, laser) for precision alignment. - System Optimization: Optimize manufacturing systems for throughput, efficiency, and cost, driving continuous improvement initiatives. - Quality Systems & Compliance: Develop and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC systems, and support CAPA to ensure consistent product quality and compliance. - Supplier & CM Management: Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to qualify processes, resolve quality issues, and ensure production readiness. - Failure Analysis & Reliability: Lead failure analysis across production and field returns, implementing corrective and preventive actions to improve long term reliability. - Cost Engineering (COGS): Drive cost reduction initiatives through process improvements, design changes, and supply chain optimization. - Documentation & Standardization: Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and validation protocols to ensure repeatability and knowledge transfer. - Global & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead and communicate across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams in a global manufacturing environment. - Digital Manufacturing: Implement MES, data tracking, and real time monitoring systems to enhance process visibility and control. Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field. - 8+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or NPI within electronics, robotics, automotive, or high-volume electromechanical products. - Strong experience with FATP processes, including process flow, line layout, and equipment implementation. - Hands-on experience with process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), DOE’s, Cp/Cpk, and Gage R&R. - Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) and project tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Smartsheets or equivalent). - Solid understanding of DFM/DFA and ability to influence design for manufacturability. - Strong communication skills in English, Mandarin, and Malay. - Ability to travel ≥10% and work onsite at manufacturing partners in China. - Proven ability to manage multiple builds in fast-paced, cross-functional environments. - Self-driven with strong ownership and problem-solving mindset. What Makes You Stand Out - Led multiple product launches from EVT through mass production. - Experience with automation systems (robotics, motion control, vision systems). - Knowledge of quality systems (PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, CAPA). - Experience working with contract manufacturers and suppliers in Asia. - Strong background in yield improvement, failure analysis, and cost reduction (COGS). - Experience with MES or data-driven manufacturing systems. - Experience in sustaining engineering and continuous improvement. - Ability to mentor engineers and lead cross-functional efforts. Additional Information - Requires travel to manufacturing sites in China and Malaysia during builds and ramp. - Hands-on role with significant time on the production floor. - May require extended hours during critical build phases.