Manufacturing Engineer - UAV

Role Summary: We are looking for a process-driven and detail-oriented UAV Manufacturing / Industrial Engineer to lead the transition of UAV prototypes into scalable, production-grade systems. In this role, you’ll own the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, working closely with engineering, R&D, and quality teams to develop process flows, SOPs, checklists, and quality control protocols. You’ll play a key role in building the foundation for consistent and high-quality drone manufacturing by standardizing assembly, testing, inspection, and handover processes. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with the engineering and R&D teams to understand prototype designs and define the path to scalable production. Develop and maintain Manufacturing Process Documents (MPDs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Assembly Instructions for UAV sub-systems (e.g., airframe, electronics, wiring, powertrain, payload). Create production checklists, quality control (QC) protocols, and inspection standards to ensure consistency and reliability. Establish and optimize manufacturing workflows for UAV assembly, integration, and testing. Design and implement tooling, jigs, and fixtures to support repeatable and efficient production. Coordinate Production Handover Documents (PHD) that capture BoMs, build steps, critical parameters, and test procedures. Conduct time-motion studies, process audits, and identify areas for efficiency improvement. Train production technicians and operators on assembly methods, safety practices, and quality guidelines. Monitor build issues and implement feedback loops between production and engineering for continuous improvement. Ensure all documentation complies with internal quality systems and industry best practices (ISO, IPC, etc.). Assist in setting up pilot runs, scaling batches, and eventually supporting mass production. Required Skills & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field. 3 - 4 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, NPD or process engineering, preferably in drones, aerospace. Strong knowledge of production workflows, lean manufacturing principles, and assembly line design. Proficiency in creating SOPs, work instructions, QC checklists, and manufacturing documentation. Familiarity with UAV systems and components (flight controllers, motors, wiring, frames, batteries, sensors). Hands-on experience with build validation, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement tools (5S, Kaizen, FMEA). Skilled in documentation tools (MS Office, Excel, Word, or specialized tools like Miro, Notion, or Confluence). Comfortable with tools like CAD viewers, ECAD schematics, and BoM management software. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in transitioning hardware prototypes to batch or mass production. Exposure to quality systems (ISO 9001, Six Sigma, IPC-A-610/620). Prior work in UAV or aerospace domains is a strong plus. Understanding and working closely with CFT for production ramp-up. Ability to design or assist in creating jigs and fixtures for assembly/testing. Show more Show less