Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Cost & DFM

Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Cost & DFM

Vecna Robotics is an intelligent, flexible material handling automation company that keeps goods moving. With award-winning technology engineered for uninterrupted work between autonomous mobile robots, labor, and systems, we make business go. As a company, we are driven by the vision of an efficient global supply chain where robots do the dirty work and people do the human work.

Vecna Robotics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Cost & DFM to lead product cost reduction efforts across our autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platforms. This role is focused on aggressively reducing product cost through design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-to-cost (DTC), and value engineering initiatives. You will work cross-functionally with Hardware Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to drive measurable cost improvements in both new and existing products.

This is a highly hands-on, cross-functional role requiring strong technical judgment, cost awareness, and the ability to influence product design and manufacturing strategy.

This is a full-time, salaried position based in Waltham, MA reporting to the VP of Hardware with a dotted-line relationship with the Director of Manufacturing. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. We do not accept applications or inquiries from recruitment agencies or search firms for this position.

In this role, you will:

• Own product cost reduction initiatives across assigned products, with accountability for BOM cost, labor cost, and total unit cost improvements
• Lead design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-to-cost (DTC) efforts during both NPI and sustaining phases
• Identify, prioritize, and execute cost-down opportunities, including part redesign, part consolidation, material changes, and process optimization
• Interface with contract manufacturers to improve line efficiency, scalability, and cost competitiveness
• Drive value engineering and cost teardown analyses to identify and eliminate unnecessary cost in designs and assemblies
• Partner with Hardware Engineering to influence design decisions early to meet target cost before release
• Support NPI builds to ensure cost targets are achieved and sustained into production
• Optimize BOM cost structure, including alternate component selection, second sourcing, and standardization across products
• Collaborate with engineering and suppliers to reduce component and assembly costs, including evaluating make/buy decisions and supplier capabilities
• Develop and implement fixtures, tooling, and test strategies that increase efficiency and reduce conversion cost
• Drive yield improvement and root cause resolution with a focus on cost impact (scrap, rework, downtime)
• Track, report, and communicate cost savings vs. targets, maintaining a pipeline of cost reduction initiatives
• Provide hands-on support on the production floor to troubleshoot issues and implement scalable, cost-effective solutions

What we are looking for:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering for electromechanical or robotics systems
• Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable product cost reductions
• Strong experience with DFM, DTC, value engineering, or should-cost modeling
• Deep understanding of cost drivers in electromechanical systems (materials, labor, overhead, supply chain)
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to reduce cost
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and familiarity with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., Empower)
• Hands-on experience on the production floor, including process development and troubleshooting
• Experience designing and implementing assembly processes, fixtures, or test systems
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, yield improvement, and waste reduction
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to perform trade studies and cost analyses
• Excellent communication and ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Travel up to 20% to supplier and manufacturing partner sites

We are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage and celebrate diversity.

Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year