Lead Manufacturing Engineer/Manager - Electronic Test and Measurement Equipment Position : Full time, permanent.
Location : On-site in Melbourne, Australia.
Salary : Relative to experience.
Reporting to : Head of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
About Us
Liquid Instruments was founded by a team of experimental physicists and engineers with expertise in precision measurement and gravitational wave detector instrumentation. We provide equipment that helps scientists, engineers, students and professionals seamlessly acquire data, run measurements, and control their experiments.
Our products pioneer a new approach to test and measurement. This approach combines advanced digital signal processing with reconfigurable FPGA hardware to replace many conventional pieces of equipment with a single device at a fraction of the cost. Our founders developed this technology over several decades working on the LIGO gravitational wave detector and on NASA's GRACE Follow-on mission.
Position Summary
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer/Manager works closely with and supports our contract manufacturers (CMs) in Melbourne and overseas in the production of electronic test and measurement equipment. The primary responsibility for the role is planning and supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations at our CMs to ensure timely and efficient delivery of high-quality products.
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer/Manager provides technical, operational, and quality support to our CMs in several key areas to:
Ensure manufacturing end of line functional testing and calibration processes run efficiently and reliably, providing technical leadership and hands on support with test failure debugging and issue resolution. Maintain production test equipment and software to ensure production lines remain functional, effective, and up to date with our latest firmware releases. Develop, implement, and maintain manufacturing assembly processes for hardware integration and fulfilment of finished goods production. Manage production quality and field quality issue investigations with our CM's to ensure effective root cause analysis and problem solving for production related issues across all manufacturing processes The role works closely with our Electronic Hardware, Mechanical, and Firmware design teams to support existing and implement new products. It requires a strong focus on Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) across Electrical Test and Mechanical disciplines.
The role includes management of a small Manufacturing support team located in Melbourne, currently one Manufacturing Engineer.
Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate to plan and support day-to-day production requirements. Provide technical support and guidance to resolve manufacturing test and assembly issues. Collect, manage, and report key production metrics. Work with CM's to ensure production efficiency and performance is maintained to a high standard whilst maintaining production costs and minimising waste. Process Development and Optimisation:Continuously analyse and improve existing production processes and workflows to enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. Collaborate with Electronic Hardware, Mechanical, and Firmware design teams to maintain and optimise existing manufacturing test and assembly process and support the development and implementation of new products. Testing, Debugging, and Validation:Oversee the testing of electronic test and measurement equipment to ensure functionality and reliability. Maintain electronic hardware test processes and procedures, ensuring all equipment is properly calibrated and tested. Debug and resolve system and sub-system test failures, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Assist CMs to debug and resolve test failure down to PCBA component level. Quality Assurance:Ensure products meet our high-quality standards. Implement and maintain quality control procedures and documentation. Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions for quality and manufacturing issues. Work with CM's to ensure a safe and well organised production environment. Calibration Management:Manage the calibration of test and measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability. Develop and implement calibration schedules and procedures. Maintain calibration records and ensure compliance with industry standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration:Collaborate across a broad range of stakeholders from our component suppliers, the CM, Internal product development and operations teams to support the manufacturing needs of the organisation. Collaborate closely with internal product development and procurement teams to ensure seamless integration of new products into manufacturing. Collaborate with design teams to ensure products are designed with DFMA principles, reducing complexity and cost. Leadership and Team Management:Supervise and mentor the manufacturing team, providing guidance and support to enhance their performance and development. Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment. Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the team. Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in electronics or a related industry. Experience working with electronics and electronic test and measurement equipment is highly desirable in this role Experience with hardware assembly and manufacturing. Prior experience in a cross functional engineering role with informal technical leadership experience is desirable. Strong knowledge of electronic test and measurement with the ability to understand electronic schematics and circuit debugging. A broad understanding of electromechanical manufacturing processes and systems such as PCB and hardware/mechanical assembly and test.
Software development experience, particularly for development of test software systems. Python, C, and Linux knowledge desirable. Knowledge and application of DFMA principles to improve product design and manufacturing processes. Experience with quality assurance and control processes, including root cause analysis and corrective actions. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners. This position will require regular travel to contract manufacturer sites and other company locations. The role will involve working in a production environment, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Liquid Instruments is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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