Manufacturing Engineer

Nexthop AI is building the next-generation AI networking platforms for hyperscalers. We're looking for a Manufacturing Engineer in Operations to help us build our next generation cutting edge products and scale them.

Description:

You will take the lead in driving continuous improvement activities for SMT and product build processes during product development, ramp up and throughout the product lifetime. You will work with the Nexthop AI engineering team and our vendors and CMs. The right candidate will work across multiple locations in various continents with on-site visits with our vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Set a vision for product operational improvements year over year. Set aggressive yield targets and drive plans to achieve them.
• Drive yield improvements through careful data analysis and process development with your SMT engineering partners
• Be the voice of Quality at product concept to ensure products are designed for manufacturing (DFM) and scale (DFS). Build in constant design improvement for product quality, factory efficiency and product cost.
• Influence vendor selection for new products.
• Approve vendor process flow, process quality control plan (tests, methods, sample sizes, pass /fail criteria), equipment list and qualification plan, and Cosmetic specs (Ensure cosmetic standards are aligned with Module integrators) with the quality team
• Manage new process introduction and special projects.
• Approve manufacturers for Mass production readiness.
• Ensure vendors are conforming to Nexthop specs and requirements.
• Ensure timely test correlation activities and close test gaps between device, module, and system.
• Contribute to mass production release reviews and verify that we are ready to ramp.
• Coordinate the resolution of quality issues in mass production.
• Monitor and report yield, manufacturing metrics (CpK, FMEA etc.). Drive improvement programs as appropriate.
• Drive FACA for field returns, and EFFA issues with the quality team to track, report and close out issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure 8D reports and PCNs are maintained accurately
• Raise and balance formal company-wide Quality Alerts with the SQEs
• Organize three-way meetings with device vendors and module suppliers to get feedback on downstream issues and ensure cooperation. Assist and arbitrate as needed.
• Manage the manufacturing relationship with vendors. This involves regular face to face reviews, efficient vendor reporting systems and audits.
• Ensure qualification and reliability activities at vendors are in line with requirements.
• Regularly provide status reporting updates to executives and escalation when needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12-15+ years technical understanding of high-volume box build processes involving problem solving and issue root cause analysis / data analysis in a pressured environment.
• SMT and box build process knowledge
• Familiarity with networking hardware, test systems, quality systems and quality control.
• MS in Engineering or allied technical subject
• 1-2 years experience in a startup

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interpersonal skills of leadership, communication, teamwork, project management, and influencing.
• Teamwork: constant interfacing with multiple teams across Nexthop AI and its suppliers
• Flexibility: Evening and weekends work will be required. The job also requires international travel.
• Work with internal SMT/DFM and Supplier Quality Engineers at module integrators.
• Close coordination with product design team, GSMs and NPI project managers.