We're seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead and scale manufacturing operations for our next-generation robotics platform. You will play a critical role in bridging engineering and manufacturing owning everything from early-stage prototyping to full-scale production. This role will be foundational in scaling our production to meet customer demand
Responsibilities:
- Lead manufacturing engineering across the product lifecycle: concept, prototyping, pilot, production ramp, and end-of-life
- Serve as the primary voice of manufacturing in design reviews, change management, and product development discussions
- Develop and execute scalable strategies for in-house vs. external partner manufacturing
- Own process development, tooling design/selection, and equipment readiness for new products.
- Define and implement test fixtures, jigs, and quality processes for robotics subassemblies and systems.
- Create and maintain manufacturing documentation: work instructions, SOPs, process maps, and visual aids.
- Lead pilot builds and pre-production efforts, ensuring processes are locked prior to volume launch
- Drive root cause analysis (RCCA), yield improvements, and corrective actions across internal and external builds
- Collaborate with internal and external partners on ramp plans, process transfer, and quality standards
- Evaluate and develop make-vs-buy recommendations for mechanical/electrical subsystems
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and DFM/DFA methodologies to reduce cost, waste, and cycle time
- Track manufacturing KPIs (yield, throughput, downtime, etc.) and drive measurable improvements
- Work closely with Hardware Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure designs are robust, cost-efficient, and manufacturable
- Partner with suppliers and contract manufacturers to address quality, lead time, and cost concerns
- Provide training and technical support to internal teams and external partners on tools, test equipment, and debug procedures.
Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field)
- 6+ years in manufacturing engineering, in automation, electro-mechanical systems, robotics (preferred)
- Expertise supporting both in-house and outsourced manufacturing environments
- Strong working knowledge of DFM/DFA, GD&T, tooling, and production line setup
- Hands-on experience with pilot builds, ECOs, process validation, and test equipment
- Strong cross-functional communication and organizational skills
- Proven track record of shipping mission-critical hardware products from concept to deployment
- Proficiency with MFG tools such as OnShape, Jira, PLM (Arena preferred), MES (Tulip preferred), Netsuite
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity startup environment.
- Ability and willingness to work from our Charlestown, MA, facilities at least three to four days per week
- Travel to vendors, or manufacturing partners required
- Six Sigma certification a plus
Pay at PickleAt Pickle Robot Company, we believe transparency builds trust. The salary range listed here is provided in accordance with Massachusetts law and reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role. We often consider candidates at different levels of seniority, and final compensation will reflect the level at which a candidate is hired, along with factors like experience and location.
About Pickle RobotWant to get in on the ground floor of a fast-growing, VC-backed robotics company? Join Pickle Robot! We build systems that companies and their teams love. Pickle robots unload trucks. Every day, millions of trucks and containers are loaded and unloaded, often requiring manual labor—tough, dirty, dangerous, and hard to staff. Pickle automates this process using AI, machine learning, and robotics to deliver reliable products. Our Unload Systems work with teams on loading docks to make the job safer, faster, and more efficient.Pickle provides best-in-class benefits including health, dental, & vision insurance; unlimited vacation, along with all federal and state holidays; 401K contributions of 5% your salary, travel supplies, and other items to make your working life more fun, comfortable, and productive. 
