Lead Program Manufacturing Operations Engineer

Lead the transition of an autonomous vehicle prototype to production. Work with the development team as the prototype is fabricated and tested, develop manufacturing plans, assess and select contract manufacturer(s) as appropriate and ensure quality of the product as well as scalability of the production approach.  The lead manufacturing operations person will play a critical role in ensuring the successful transition of an autonomous vehicle prototype from development to target production rate, maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the internal design and engineering team to establish a manufacturing TDP for the autonomous vehicle.
• Assess the assembly procedures to ensure they enable efficient high-rate production.
• Will play a key role in Contract Manufacturer Selection.  Develop detailed criteria for selecting contract manufacturing firms based on capabilities, quality, cost, scalability, and compliance with industry standards. Identify potential risks associated with using a contract manufacturer and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Ensure the autonomous vehicle prototype is designed with manufacturability in mind, considering the capabilities and limitations of the selected contract manufacturer.
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• Define quality metrics and standards to be adhered to by the contract manufacturer.
• Collaborate with the contract manufacturer to develop and optimize manufacturing processes that align with both the prototype's design and production goals.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis and budgeting for production with the contract manufacturer, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Lead and coordinate internal cross-functional teams to support the contract manufacturer, including design, quality assurance, and supply chain teams.
• Facilitate the transfer of design knowledge and specifications to the contract manufacturer, ensuring they fully understand the product and requirements. Maintain clear and effective communication with all stakeholders, including internal teams and the contract manufacturer.
• Provide regular updates and detailed reports on the manufacturing progress, challenges, and achievements to executive management.
• Ensure that the manufacturing processes established by the contract manufacturer are standardized and consistent with internal quality standards.
• Implement a system for continuous monitoring and regular audits of the contract manufacturer's production processes to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Coordinate production schedules with the contract manufacturer to ensure timely delivery and meet project milestones.
• Manage logistics and supply chain aspects to ensure seamless delivery of materials to the contract manufacturer and timely delivery of finished products.
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement to enhance production efficiency and product quality.

Requirements

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering + 7 years of related experience.

• Active Secret Clearance.

• Prior experience leading the product transition from prototype to production.

• Extensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) experience.

• BoM, drawings, specifications and standards, 3D CAD models, assembly instructions, quality requirements, process requirements, packaging and labeling instructions, and production volumes.

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• Experience leading negotiations with contract manufacturers to establish favorable terms, including cost, delivery schedules, and quality expectations.
• Prior experience evaluating and selecting suppliers and vendors that meet the quality and reliability standards of the organization.

• Experience identifying production root cause analysis and establishing corrective action plans.

• SC Logistics and material delivery management experience.

Benefits

Salary is competitive with market rates, with annual bonus awards based on company and individual performance. SSCI benefits package includes 401K, Health/Life/Disability Insurance.