Manufacturing Engineer; Supply Chain - Mechanical Austin, TX

Manufacturing Engineer (Supply Chain) - Mechanical

Austin, TX

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people and is the foundation for our manufacturing and logistics initiatives.

We are seeking 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 electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblies. This hands‑on role will spend significant time on supplier factory floors evaluating processes, resolving production issues, and qualifying new parts from prototype through rate production.

• Serve as subject matter expert on manufacturing processes for wire harness assemblies, PCBAs, motor assemblies, actuators, connectors, and other electromechanical components.
• Determine ideal manufacturing methods, process flows, and critical process parameters for new and re‑sourced parts; define requirements for suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and process controls on site and drive corrective actions.
• Review and approve supplier process documentation including control plans, PFMEAs, and work instructions.
• Own the end‑to‑end NPI lifecycle at suppliers, from manufacturing feasibility review through PPAP/FAI approval and ramp to rate production.
• Qualify new suppliers through detailed manufacturing capability assessments covering process capability (Cpk/Ppk), equipment adequacy, workforce competency, and capacity.
• Collaborate with design and materials engineers to incorporate DFM feedback early and communicate manufacturing intent to suppliers.
• Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier transitions.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective action for supplier quality escapes; implement containment, disposition, and permanent resolution.
• Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics (PPM, OTD, first‑pass yield, scrap rates) to identify systemic issues and create data‑driven improvement plans.
• Generate non‑conformance reports and work with engineering 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.
• Partner with procurement to match sourcing decisions with verified supplier manufacturing capabilities; act as technical voice in make‑vs‑buy and supplier selection.
• Serve as liaison between purchasing, design engineering, production, and the supplier base.
• Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers and emerging manufacturing capabilities.

• Demonstrated experience conducting supplier manufacturing process audits and capability assessments on site.
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, process FMEA, control plans, MSA, and SPC; direct application in manufacturing or supplier quality context.
• Experience leading root‑cause and corrective action investigations (8D methodology) with suppliers.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or NADCAP and translation to shop‑floor controls.
• Proficiency with metrology tools and GD&T interpretation for electromechanical hardware.
• Ability to travel up to 30% (domestic and international).

• Experience in robotics, aerospace, defense, automotive, or other high‑reliability electromechanical product environments.
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC‑A‑610, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620, J‑STD‑001).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and BOM management.
• Background in DFM/DFA analysis for electromechanical assemblies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of hands‑on manufacturing engineering experience in at least two of: wire harness fabrication, PCBA assembly (SMT, wave, selective solder, conformal coat), motor or actuator assembly, connector and cable assembly, or other electromechanical component manufacturing.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate.

Apptronik provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

* This is a direct hire. Please, no outside Agency solicitations.