Manufacturing Engineer (Supply Chain) - Mechanical

Apptronik is a human-centered robotics company developing AI-powered robots to support humanity in every facet of life. Our flagship humanoid robot, Apollo, is built to collaborate thoughtfully with people, starting with critical industries such as manufacturing and logistics, with future applications in healthcare, the home, and beyond. We operate at the cutting edge of embodied AI, applying our expertise across the full robotics stack to solve some of society's most important problems. You will join a team dedicated to bringing Apollo to market at scale, tackling the complex challenges like safety, commercialization, and mass production to change the world for the better. JOB SUMMARY Apptronik is building the next generation of humanoid robots, and our supply base must deliver cost-efficient, on-time, premium-quality mechanical hardware across rapidly evolving designs and increasingly ambitious production volumes. We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer embedded within our Supply Chain organization to serve as the technical authority on supplier manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production readiness for precision-machined components, castings, additive-manufactured parts, and other mechanical hardware. This is a hands-on manufacturing engineering role . You will spend significant time on supplier factory floors evaluating machining operations, casting processes, additive manufacturing capabilities, and finishing operations — resolving production issues and qualifying new parts from prototype through rate production. The ideal candidate has deep, practical knowledge of how mechanical components are manufactured, finished, and inspected, and uses that expertise to make sourcing decisions, drive supplier development, and own production readiness at external manufacturing sites. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Manufacturing Process Ownership Serve as the internal subject matter expert on mechanical manufacturing processes including CNC machining (milling, turning, multi-axis), additive manufacturing (metal and polymer 3D printing — DMLS, SLM, SLS, FDM, MJF), investment and die casting, forging, sheet metal fabrication, stamping, and secondary/finishing operations (anodizing, plating, heat treatment, surface grinding, lapping) Determine the ideal manufacturing method, process flow, and critical process parameters for new and re-sourced mechanical parts; define these requirements for suppliers Evaluate supplier manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and process controls through on-site assessments; identify gaps and drive corrective actions Review and approve supplier process documentation including control plans, PFMEAs, setup sheets, and work instructions New Product Introduction & Supplier Qualification Own the end-to-end NPI lifecycle at suppliers — from manufacturing feasibility review through PPAP/FAI approval and ramp to rate production for mechanical components Qualify new suppliers by conducting detailed manufacturing capability assessments covering process capability (Cpk/Ppk), machine tool condition and capacity, tooling strategy, workforce competency, and throughput Collaborate with design and materials engineers to ensure DFM/DFA feedback is incorporated early — including material selection, tolerancing strategy, draft angles, wall thicknesses, and feature accessibility for machining or casting Develop and execute supplier qualification plans for new parts, engineering changes, and supplier transitions Supplier Quality & Continuous Improvement Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for supplier quality escapes on mechanical parts; drive containment, disposition, and permanent resolution Analyze supplier quality and delivery metrics (PPM, OTD, first-pass yield, scrap rates) to identify systemic issues and develop data-driven improvement plans Create and disposition non-conformance reports and deviations, working with engineering counterparts on rework, repair, or use-as-is decisions Identify and implement product and process improvements that reduce cost, mitigate supply risk, eliminate defects, and improve cycle time — with particular focus on optimizing machining cycle times, reducing casting scrap, and transitioning prototype additive parts to production-intent processes Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with the procurement team to match sourcing decisions with verified supplier manufacturing capabilities — you are the technical voice in make-vs-buy and supplier selection decisions for mechanical hardware Function as the manufacturing engineering liaison between purchasing, design engineering, production, and the supplier base Conduct independent research to identify potential new suppliers, emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., hybrid additive/subtractive processes, high-speed machining, advanced casting techniques), and capabilities relevant to robotic hardware SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS Demonstrated experience conducting supplier manufacturing process audits and capability assessments on-site at supplier facilities Strong understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and how geometric tolerances translate to fixturing, machining strategy, and inspection methods Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA (process), control plans, MSA, and SPC — not just awareness, but direct application in a manufacturing or supplier quality context Experience leading root cause and corrective action investigations (8D methodology) with suppliers Familiarity with quality management system standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or NADCAP) and how they translate to shop-floor controls Proficiency with metrology tools and techniques relevant to mechanical hardware — CMM programming/interpretation, surface profilometry, optical measurement, and manual inspection tools Practical knowledge of mechanical material properties, heat treatment processes, and sur