Position Overview
Lithios is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development, design, integration, and optimization of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and assembly systems. This hands-on role will partner closely with R&D, engineering, quality, operations, and vendors to ensure products are designed for manufacturability. The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical engineering and equipment design experience, with the ability to lead projects from early design reviews and prototyping through equipment development, validation, NPI, and production ramp-up. The role will also drive continuous improvement, troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues, and provide technical guidance to engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel. This role reports to the Principal Electrode Manufacturing Engineer.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply strong mechanical engineering principles to the design, development, modification, and integration of manufacturing equipment, fixtures, tooling, and automated systems.
- Lead technical assessments of manufacturing build processes and equipment capabilities; identify opportunities to improve process robustness, manufacturability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
- Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities with Engineering and R&D teams, incorporating PFMEA, risk assessments, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing feedback early in the product development process.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, procedures, equipment specifications, work instructions, SOPs, and training plans for internal operations and contract manufacturing partners.
- Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of equipment, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes to ensure design robustness, reliability, safety, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Provide hands-on support for equipment installations, tool changes, equipment conversions, modifications, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
- Interface directly with contract manufacturers, equipment suppliers, machine shops, and other vendors to drive equipment development, manufacturing improvements, NPI activities, and technical problem resolution.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to manufacturing engineers, technicians, assemblers, and cross-functional team members on equipment, processes, and manufacturing best practices.
- Promote a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment with emphasis on equipment safety, workplace organization, material utilization, and continuous improvement.
- Perform other engineering and technical functions as required to support R&D, manufacturing, and product development activities.
Candidate Qualifications
- BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience (fuel cell or electrolyzer systems experience is a plus)
- Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers
- Experience designing and implementing assembly processes, fixtures, or test systems
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, yield improvement, and waste reduction
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, OnShape) and simulation tools
- Capable of working against tight deadlines without sacrificing detail/safety
- Strong interpersonal, organizational skills and attention to detail
Closing Statement
Lithios is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are building a team of individuals and creating an environment where all backgrounds and experiences are valued. We credit our success to the diverse perspectives our team members bring and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, nationality, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, or Veteran status.
We know the right candidate may not meet all the criteria listed in this job description. If you believe you are a great candidate for this role and possess relevant skills that are not listed above, please reach out and tell us why you are a good fit!