Manufacturing Engineer (NPI Robotics)

Manufacturing Engineer (NPI Robotics)

About Rugged Robotics

Rugged Robotics is on a mission to help the construction industry build better by solving tough problems with automation. We are a fast-moving startup where engineers stay close to the hardware, the manufacturing floor, and the field. To help our customers build better, we need to build the best team.

Role Overview

As a Manufacturing Engineer (NPI) at Rugged Robotics, you will own the evolution of our robot production from early builds into a scalable, repeatable manufacturing system.

Building on our legacy of existing robots in the field, you will play a key role in bringing our next-generation platform into scalable, repeatable production while continuing to support and improve current builds. This role focuses on increasing build throughput, consistency, and quality as we move from smaller batch builds to more structure batch production and external manufacturing.

You will lead this transition end-to-end, improving in-house production processes, developing assembly and test systems, and establishing the foundation for scaling to larger builds and contract manufacturers. You will act as a player-coach, working closely with technicians during builds while partnering with engineering, operations, and vendors to ensure we can produce robots reliably, efficiently, and at increasing scale.

What You Will Do

• Own the scaling of robot production from early builds to structured, repeatable batch production, improving throughput, quality, and consistency
• Support both ongoing maintenance of deployed robots and the introduction of next-generation systems into manufacturing
• Lead early and mid-stage build waves, including in-house assembly, calibration, and end-of-line testing
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, work instructions, and quality standards to enable reliable, repeatable builds
• Create and maintain production documentation, including BOMs, assembly instructions, test procedures, and quality checks
• Design and deploy assembly fixtures, test systems, and tooling to improve efficiency, quality, and build consistency
• Drive root cause analysis across build, test, and field issues; implement design or process improvements to improve yield and reliability
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with production realities (DFM/DFA)
• Establish and track key production metrics (yield, build time, defects) and drive continuous improvement
• Own relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers; help transition production from in-house builds to external partners over time
• Create systems to efficiently procure and inventory robot components.

You Are

• Experienced in scaling production of complex electromechanical systems from early prototypes to more structured, repeatable manufacturing
• Comfortable supporting both existing production and introducing new or next-generation hardware into manufacturing
• Strong in manufacturing engineering fundamentals, including process development, DFM/DFA, managing supply chains, and production ramp
• Hands-on and comfortable working on the build floor to debug issues and support technicians
• Able to balance speed and rigor in a fast-moving production environment with evolving designs
• Effective at bridging design engineering and manufacturing execution
• Comfortable owning ambiguity and building processes and systems from the ground up
• Experienced (or eager) to work with suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Highly collaborative across mechanical, electrical, software, and operations teams
• Organized and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on quality, reliability, and repeatability

Qualifications

• BS in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, NPI, or production ramp for electromechanical products
• Experience supporting low-to-mid volume production (tens to hundreds of units), not solely high-volume manufacturing
• Proven experience taking products from prototype or early builds into repeatable, scalable production
• Background in robotics, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, aerospace, medical devices, or similar complex hardware systems
• Experience working directly with suppliers and external manufacturing partners
• Hands-on experience developing production tooling, fixtures, and test systems

Nice to Have

• Experience transitioning production from in-house builds to contract manufacturers
• Familiarity with quality systems, process controls, and yield improvement methodologies
• Experience in fast-paced startup or early production environments
• Exposure to certification or regulatory processes for hardware systems
• Experience supporting multiple product iterations or hardware revisions in production

Perks

• Full-time, competitive salary with equity
• Flexible paid vacation from day one
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• 401(k) plan available

Rugged Robotics is headquartered in Houston, TX, in the vibrant neighborhood of East Downtown. This role is primarily on-site, with hands-on involvement in pre-production builds, manufacturing activities, and cross-functional collaboration.

Rugged Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our company. All qualified candidates will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status.