Staff Manufacturing Engineer - Drive Unit

As a Staff Manufacturing Engineer - Drive Unit (DU), Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Powertrain, you will take a technical leadership role in the design, development, and deployment of manufacturing processes and equipment for Drive Unit production at Lucid. This role is responsible for ensuring Drive Unit manufacturing systems are robust, scalable, and capable of meeting performance, quality, and throughput requirements for high‑volume production. 

You will work closely with Manufacturing Operations, Product Engineering, Automation, Quality, Facilities, Logistics, and New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to define manufacturing strategies and execute equipment and process solutions from concept through launch and into sustaining production. 

You will: 

• Lead technical efforts for complex manufacturing equipment and process development supporting Drive Unit (DU) production 
• Define and develop manufacturing processes for Drive Unit assembly lines, from initial concept through production launch 
• Own manufacturing readiness for DU stations, including equipment definition, procurement, installation, and launch execution 
• Work cross‑functionally with Product Engineering to ensure manufacturability of Drive Unit designs and efficient implementation of design changes 
• Collaborate with project teams across all phases of DU line development, including concept, design, build, validation, and ramp 
• Drive implementation of engineering solutions to address quality, throughput, reliability, and safety challenges in production equipment 
• Utilize structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, DOE, or similar disciplines to resolve complex manufacturing issues 
• Use 3D modeling, simulation, and digital tools to validate manufacturing processes, layouts, and equipment designs 
• Partner with layout engineering to prepare and optimize Drive Unit line layouts, material flow, and space utilization 
• Apply working knowledge of equipment control systems, equipment I/Os, and basic machine logic to support equipment development and troubleshooting 
• Specify and support automation equipment including robotics, end‑of‑arm tooling, pick‑and‑place systems, position sensing, material handling, vision systems, conveyors, and laser‑based processes 
• Lead Drive Unit–specific manufacturing processes such as:  
  • E‑motor and rotor/stator assembly 
  • Gearbox and differential assembly 
  • Press‑fit and bearing installation processes 
  • Torque‑controlled fastening and joining systems 
  • Oil fill, leak testing, and sealing processes 
  • End‑of‑line functional testing (HV/LV), spin testing, and performance validation 
  • Laser welding, marking, and traceability systems 
• Influence standardization and best practices across Powertrain manufacturing equipment and processes 
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other manufacturing engineers without direct people management responsibility 

You bring: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Computer Engineering preferred 
• 8+ years of experience in Powertrain manufacturing, equipment, or process engineering 
• Demonstrated experience designing, launching, and sustaining manufacturing equipment in an automotive or high‑volume production environment 
• Strong understanding of Drive Unit manufacturing processes, assemblies, and production challenges 
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence outcomes in complex, cross‑functional environments 
• Hands‑on experience with automated manufacturing equipment and production machinery 
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, GD&T, tooling, fixturing, and manufacturing tolerances 
• Familiarity with manufacturing controls concepts, sensors, and equipment interfaces 
• Experience using 3D CAD and manufacturing simulation tools such as AutoCAD, CATIA, or DELMIA 
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical topics to diverse audiences 
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (approximately 40%)