About the job
Fauna Robotics is on the hunt for a skilled Manufacturing Engineering Program Manager to spearhead the execution of our supply chain, vendor management, and build operations. This pivotal role will guide our innovative robots from prototype to consistent production, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering, operations, and manufacturing. You will be instrumental in driving build readiness, overseeing external suppliers and contract manufacturers (CMs), and guaranteeing that our in-house production meets high standards of quality and timeliness.
In this role, you will ensure timely parts delivery, optimize vendor performance, and swiftly resolve any manufacturing challenges that arise.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Management
- Oversee comprehensive material readiness for builds, including forecasting, purchasing coordination, kitting, and shortage management.
- Maintain transparency in build BOM status while tracking long lead items, alternatives, and potential risks.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure designs are practical for production and sourcing.
- Lead efforts in reducing material costs through effective vendor negotiations, alternative sourcing, and design-for-cost considerations.
- Manage inbound logistics, inventory planning, and basic warehouse operations as necessary.
Vendor and Supplier Oversight
- Establish and maintain communication with suppliers for critical mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical components.
- Handle RFQs, quotation cycles, lead times, payment conditions, and delivery schedules.
- Create supplier scorecards focusing on quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost to enhance supplier performance.
- Coordinate corrective actions with suppliers to address issues like defects, late deliveries, and recurring failures.
- Identify and onboard new suppliers as project requirements evolve across various manufacturing processes.
Build Management
- Plan and execute internal builds, including EVT/DVT/PVT, pilot builds, and production runs.
- Manage build schedules, readiness assessments, work instructions, tooling coordination, and staffing requirements.
- Work closely with technicians and engineers to remove obstacles during the build process.
- Monitor yields, rework rates, failures, and any manufacturing hindrances to ensure consistent production flow.
