Staff Manufacturing Engineer

Position Summary:

We are seeking a Staff Manufacturing Engineer to transition novel technologies from the R&D phase into full-scale production. This role involves hands-on collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—working side by side with engineers and scientists on data-writing hardware. The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical engineering skills, knowledge of electrical and plumbing systems, and a passion for process optimization. You will be responsible for designing and executing DOEs, establishing process controls, and analyzing manufacturing data to drive continuous improvement.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Manufacturing Process Development
   • Collaborate with R&D teams to translate prototype designs into production-ready processes.
   • Develop and optimize manufacturing workflows, process parameters, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
   • Design and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to refine and validate critical process parameters.
2. Hands-On Production Support
   • Work on electrical, plumbing, and mechanical builds to support product assembly and testing.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing challenges, ensuring minimal downtime and high product quality.
   • Provide on-the-ground technical guidance for engineers and scientists in a fast-paced development environment.
3. Mechanical Design & DFM
   • Perform light mechanical design tasks (e.g., SolidWorks fixtures, tooling) to support manufacturing needs.
   • Recommend Design for Manufacturing (DFM) improvements across electrical, mechanical, and plumbing subsystems.
   • Utilize Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to create properly toleranced drawings for manufacturing.
   • An eye for detail in designs, tooling, and process settings to minimize errors and scrap rates.
4. 3D Printing & Rapid Prototyping
   • Evaluate and deploy 3D printing technologies (e.g., Markforged, SLA, laser cutting) for rapid prototyping and fixturing.
   • Manage the fabrication of test fixtures and production jigs to streamline assembly and testing processes.
5. Quality & Risk Management
   • Lead Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) initiatives.
   • Establish process controls and quality metrics; analyze production data to identify trends and implement improvements.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
6. Continuous Improvement & Reporting
   • Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to drive cost reduction, throughput optimization, and quality improvements.
   • Present key findings, risk assessments, and improvement proposals to management and project stakeholders.

Required Skills / Capabilities:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, ideally transitioning products from R&D to production.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software for fixture design.
• Demonstrated experience with GD&T for technical drawing and tolerance specifications.
• Hands-on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aptitude to support production builds.
• Experience designing and running DOEs and process validations in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of FMEA, PFMEA, and process controls.

Preferred Skills / Capabilities:

• Exposure to 3D printing technologies (e.g., Markforged, SLA, or laser cutting) and rapid prototyping methods.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, or electromechanical systems is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup or high-growth environment, managing multiple priorities.
• Basic programming or scripting experience using Python, SQL, or similar languages for data collection and analysis.

Our investment in you:

At Iridia, we’re proud to offer the following to our employees (and their families as applicable): 

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401K plan with company match 
• Stock Options
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Time Off  
• Training & Development Opportunities

The base salary range for this position is between $135,000 - $155,000 per year.  In addition, this position is also eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus based on company, team and/or individual performance results.

These pay ranges are intended to cover roles based across the United States.  An individual's base pay depends on various factors including geographical location and review of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.  Actual compensation will be confirmed in writing at the time of the offer.

Iridia is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.   At Iridia, we believe diversity drives innovation and success, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.