Staff NPI Engineer

About this role

Who we are Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. The Aurora Driver https://aurora.tech will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone. At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech http://aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroradriver.   What we are looking for Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We’re searching for a Staff NPI Engineer. The NPI Engineer is responsible for shepherding hardware from concept review to low-volume manufacturing. They guide design engineers in selecting appropriate manufacturing processes and are on the floor through each build to deliver finished vehicle integrations, electronic sensors and modules, and computers. In this role, you will - Drive manufacturing assembly and process initiatives for multiple Aurora modules across multiple builds and sustaining efforts in production - Ensure end-to-end assembly process readiness for complex sensor pods systems at manufacturing partners. - Provide feedback on manufacturing and service requirements, process control plans, and quality assurance. Develop hardware standards and process guidelines. - Drive/Support control plans and necessary documentation to transfer HW from design to the production floor - Create, support, and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures, forms, records, checklists, process sequence/routing, Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), PFMEAs, and other required manufacturing documentation - Act as a liaison between the module, integration and electrical teams and cross-functional teams for planning, logistics, and ad hoc requests. - Yield analysis monitoring and drive continuous improvement initiatives for NPI production lines, ensure optimal yield and efficiency to achieve capacity and cost target. - Maintain products’ quality by improving design and manufacturing process as well as equipment stability. - Provide onsite engineering support: technical ownership and support for process or equipment issues. - Conduct multidisciplinary rapid problem-solving activities and propose solutions to both prototype and production manufacturing challenges, such as Design for Excellence (DFX) input, e.g., Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Cost/Procurement (DFC/DFP), Design for Inspection/Test (DFI/T), Design for Service/Repair/Maintenance (DFS/R/M) - Work cross functionally with onsite Aurora and Contract Manufacturing teams - Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for daily status and MFG initiatives - Attend and report status at morning conference calls with Aurora team 2-3 times per week - Provide feedback on manufacturing and service requirements, process control plans, and quality assurance. Develop hardware standards and design guidelines. - Own control plans, manufacturing BOM, and necessary documentation to transfer HW from design to the production floor, whether internal or external. - Review data packages before they are released for manufacturing. - Support and guide the manufacturing team through all phases of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP); particularly the later phases associated with designing and developing the manufacturing process and validating the Process / Product (i.e., MSAs, production trial runs, Run @ Rate, PPAPs, control plans) - Research manufacturing fabrication and processes new to the company and guide design engineers on their use. Create Requests for Quotation/Proposal when necessary. - Act as a liaison between the module, integration and electrical teams and cross-functional teams for planning, logistics, and ad hoc requests. Organize cross-functional design reviews. - Lead or participate in Kaizen activities to ensure continuous improvement in processes, products, components, raw materials, and equipment - Quickly come-up-to speed on new technologies and engineering challenges - Work with internal production and external Contract Manufacturers. - International Travel 20-35%. Concentrated around line bring-up. - Evening Conference calls with Contract Manufacturers in Asia 2-3 times a week. Required Qualifications - Minimum of 10 years experience in engineering role with experience working in high volume production environments. - Bonus points for experience in consumer electronics or the automotive industry. - Experience with launching hardware products and the product life cycle, and selecting the right-sized process based on the needs of the program. - Experience in relevant fields – optical alignment process development, optical interconnect, chip-to-chip coupling, and FAU alignment - Participate in the process of bringing up a new technology from the R&D stage to high volume manufacturing. - Proficient in SPC, 6 sigma, quality control process; good understanding of machine and process interactions. - We are seeking applicants who demonstrate the ability to work independently, deliver results promptly, communicate effectively, operate with a sense of urgency, and thrive in a fast-paced development and production environment. - Experience with working with supply chain and vendors, bonus points for experience in design engineering and new product introduction. - Working knowledge of GD&T. - Experience with 3D CAD and PDM/PLM, including Arena - Need to live in a high output constantly evolving environment wearing many hats that include everything from concepts to sustaining engineering.