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
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
