Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Cost & DFM

Vecna Robotics is an intelligent, flexible material handling automation company that keeps goods moving. With award-winning technology engineered for uninterrupted work between autonomous mobile robots, labor, and systems, we make business go. As a company, we are driven by the vision of an efficient global supply chain where robots do the dirty work and people do the human work.

Vecna Robotics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer – Cost & DFM to lead product cost reduction efforts across our autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms. This role is focused on aggressively reducing product cost through design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-to-cost (DTC), and value engineering initiatives. You will work cross-functionally with Hardware Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to drive measurable cost improvements in both new and existing products.

This is a highly hands-on, cross-functional role requiring strong technical judgment, cost awareness, and the ability to influence product design and manufacturing strategy.

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Waltham, MA reporting to the VP of Hardware with a dotted-line relationship with the Director of Manufacturing. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

• Own product cost reduction initiatives across assigned products, with accountability for BOM cost, labor cost, and total unit cost improvements
• Lead design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-to-cost (DTC) efforts during both NPI and sustaining phases
• Identify, prioritize, and execute cost-down opportunities, including part redesign, part consolidation, material changes, and process optimization
• Interface with contract manufacturers to improve line efficiency, scalability, and cost competitiveness
• Drive value engineering and cost teardown analyses to identify and eliminate unnecessary cost in designs and assemblies
• Partner with Hardware Engineering to influence design decisions early to meet target cost before release
• Support NPI builds to ensure cost targets are achieved and sustained into production
• Optimize BOM cost structure, including alternate component selection, second sourcing, and standardization across products
• Collaborate with engineering and suppliers to reduce component and assembly costs, including evaluating make/buy decisions and supplier capabilities
• Develop and implement fixtures, tooling, and test strategies that increase efficiency and reduce conversion cost
• Drive yield improvement and root cause resolution with a focus on cost impact (scrap, rework, downtime)
• Track, report, and communicate cost savings vs. targets, maintaining a pipeline of cost reduction initiatives
• Provide hands-on support on the production floor to troubleshoot issues and implement scalable, cost-effective solutions

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering for electromechanical or robotics systems
• Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable product cost reductions
• Strong experience with DFM, DTC, value engineering, or should-cost modeling
• Deep understanding of cost drivers in electromechanical systems (materials, labor, overhead, supply chain)
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to reduce cost
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works) and familiarity with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., Empower)
• Hands‑on experience on the production floor, including process development and troubleshooting
• Experience designing and implementing assembly processes, fixtures, or test systems
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, yield improvement, and waste reduction
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to perform trade studies and cost analyses
• Excellent communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Travel up to 20% to supplier and manufacturing partner sites

We are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage and celebrate diversity.

Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year