a16z 
Lightspeed Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Posted Updated 6
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Description
- We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of production processes for our autonomous surface vessel systems. You’ll be responsible for developing efficient, scalable assembly and integration procedures while collaborating closely with engineering, operations, and quality teams to ensure safety, repeatability, and reliability across builds
- You’ll operate at the critical intersection of product design and operational execution, ensuring our manufacturing systems are robust, traceable, and ready for scale
- Design, document, and optimize manufacturing workflows for mechanical, electrical, and structural integration processes
- Own DFM/DFA reviews and incorporate feedback into future product iterations to improve build efficiency and cost
- Develop tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids to support repeatable builds with minimal variation
- Support integration teams with work instruction development, technician training, and real-time build troubleshooting
- Collaborate with quality engineers to define in-process inspection points and ensure first-pass yield
- Work with supply chain to align part readiness, kitting practices, and material flow with process needs
- Maintain detailed documentation, including process maps, test procedures, and revision histories
- Contribute to long-term capacity planning and production layout strategy
- This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who can balance day-to-day support of active builds with long-term process development
- Proficiency in mechanical assembly, tooling development, and process validation
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering roles focused on complex electromechanical systems
- Strong communication and documentation skills across engineering and production environments
- Experience in defense, aerospace, or regulated product environments
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and Six Sigma tools
- CAD proficiency and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and 3D models
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance
