Manufacturing Engineer

About Us

Protonex LLC, dba PNI Sensor based in Santa Rosa, Ca. seeks meticulous, process-oriented individual with a desire to continue to grow in a technical role. PNI Sensor is an engineering-driven sensor products company with products ranging from sensor components to IoT systems sold worldwide. The ideal candidate is disciplined, accountable, meticulous, has pride in their work product and is a team player.

PNI Sensor develops high-performance sensing and positioning technologies used in industrial, consumer, and advanced navigation applications. We value innovation, hands-on problem solving, and collaborative engineering.

Position Summary

PNI Sensor is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support and optimize production of precision sensor products. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient, reliable, and scalable manufacturing processes, with a strong focus on automation, calibration systems, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate bridges engineering design and high-volume production while driving quality and throughput improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations & Equipment •Own and maintain optimal performance of automated manufacturing and sensor calibration equipment •Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues to minimize downtime •Develop and implement preventive maintenance and calibration procedures •Lead upgrades and improvements to automation systems and test equipment New Product Introduction (NPI) / Design Transfer •Lead transition of engineering designs into manufacturing (DFM/DFT) •Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and scalability •Develop work instructions, process flows, fixtures, and tooling •Support pilot builds and ramp to full production Supply Chain Collaboration •Work cross-functionally with supply chain and suppliers to ensure manufacturability •Support sourcing decisions, qualification of components, and cost reduction efforts •Address supplier-related manufacturing or quality issues Production Performance & Continuous Improvement •Track and analyze production output rates, yield, and cycle time •Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements (Lean / Six Sigma) •Drive cost, efficiency, and throughput improvements across manufacturing lines Quality & Corrective Actions •Review product and process failures (NCMRs, RMAs, yield losses) •Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) •Partner with quality and test engineering to improve product reliability Required Qualifications Education •Bachelor’s degree in: o Mechanical Engineering o Manufacturing Engineering o Electrical Engineering o or related engineering discipline Experience •3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering (electronics, sensors, or precision devices preferred) •Experience with automated manufacturing systems and test/calibration equipment •Proven experience supporting NPI and production ramp •Familiarity with supplier interaction and manufacturing supply chain Technical Skills •Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies •Experience with process development, tooling, and fixtures •Data analysis skills (Excel, Minitab, or similar) •Root cause analysis tools (8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys) •Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems Preferred Qualifications •Experience in sensor, semiconductor, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing •Hands-on automation, robotics, or test system integration experience •Six Sigma Green Belt or higher Must be a US Citizen