Associate NPI Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer

Job description

Job Purpose As a Associate NPI Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer, Consumer Technology, you will serve as a primary technical driver for the deployment, commissioning, and operational stability of VulcanForms’ industrial hardware infrastructure for our consumer technology business. You will own the technical execution of equipment selection, initial unboxing, and facility integration through strict installation and operational qualifications. This role spans a diverse and advanced asset matrix, including industrial post-processing, automation, and metal additive systems, requiring a proactive problem-solver who can ensure our machinery runs reliably in a 24/7 production environment. Key Responsibilities Equipment Commissioning & Validation: Lead the end-to-end deployment, site integration, and qualification (IQ/OQ/SAT) of diverse industrial manufacturing equipment, including (but not limited to): Metal 3D Printers, Vacuum/Atmosphere Heat Treatment Furnaces, depowdering systems, Wire EDM, Build Plate Resurfacing/Milling machinery, and industrial Clean lines. Equipment Selection and Implementation: Lead selection and procurement efforts for equipment required to meet product manufacturing capability and throughput requirements. Design and integrate machine fixturing and workholding solutions to enable efficient equipment operation. Vendor & OEM Interface: Act as the primary technical point of contact for external equipment manufacturers, managing delivery timelines, technical installation requirements, and troubleshooting major hardware anomalies. Hardware Stability & Optimization: Define, monitor, and improve equipment-level performance metrics, driving initiatives to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Uptime while minimizing MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTTR (Mean Time To Repair). Documentation & Training: Author standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment preventative maintenance schedules, and clear facility integration logs to ensure seamless handoffs to the production operations and maintenance teams. Train production staff to operate equipment safely and effectively. Cross-Functional Execution: Collaborate closely with Facilities, EHS, Quality, and Process Engineering teams to ensure new equipment modules safely integrate into factory floor layouts and enterprise data/SCADA networks. Qualifications 0 to 2 years of progressive engineering experience managing complex equipment deployment, factory automation, or industrial machinery integration within a high-stakes manufacturing environment. Documented experience executing formal equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and mechanical troubleshooting frameworks. Hands-on familiarity with at least two major industrial equipment categories (e.g., CNC/EDM machining, vacuum/fluid/pneumatic systems, high-temperature thermal systems, robotic automation, or industrial chemical/clean processing). Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering, or a related technical field. Strong project management and communication skills, with the ability to manage vendor relationships and clearly report machine readiness metrics to leadership. VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match. The annual base salary range for this position is $69 ,000 to $95,000. About Us Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.