Manufacturing Engineer

Welcome to Backburner Labs  

Metal to Mobile 

Some companies build software. Others build hardware. We build whatever the problem demands. 

Backburner Labs is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy where mechanical, electrical, systems, and software engineers work together to solve complex technical challenges. From embedded systems and industrial automation to robotics, medical devices, IoT, cloud platforms, and AI-enabled applications, we help our clients build products that often don't exist yet. 

Our clients come to us when the engineering is difficult, the timeline is ambitious, and there isn't a roadmap waiting to be followed. They're looking for engineers who can create one. 

If that sounds exciting rather than intimidating, you'll probably enjoy working here. 

You'll collaborate with talented engineers across disciplines, influence technical decisions, learn new technologies, and help turn ideas on a whiteboard into products used in the real world. We move quickly, trust our engineers, and expect everyone to contribute ideas, not just code, designs, or specifications. 

If you're the kind of engineer who asks, "What's the hardest problem we're solving?" before asking, "What's the tech stack?", you'll probably feel right at home. 

Come build what doesn't exist yet. 

• Founded: 2019  
• Company: ~50 people (full-time and contract employees)  
• Current location: St Paul - St Anthony Park area 
• Future location: Minneapolis - Prospect Park area (we have leased a 43,000 sq ft building) 
• Revenue: doubled every year for 5 years (more details shared later) 
• Client retention: 93% 

About the Role 

We're looking for a “Manufacturing Engineer – I” to serve as the critical bridge between our design engineering teams and the production floor. You'll own the design transfer process, taking completed (or near-completed) electrical, mechanical, and software designs and translating them into clear, repeatable manufacturing processes. This means getting hands-on with prototype builds, writing and validating work instructions, designing fixtures and tooling, training assembly staff, and continuously improving how we build products. 

Because we're a small team that works across a wide variety of products and industries, you'll also contribute to facility operations, production floor layout, packaging design, and light engineering tasks as needed. If you thrive in environments where the work is varied, the pace is fast, and no two days look the same, this role is for you. 

Details:

• Reports to: Manufacturing Operations Manager
• Team: ~7
• Status: Full-time employee
• Salary range: $75,000 - $100,000
• Interview process: (~2.5 weeks):
  • Head of Talent - video call
  • Manufacturing Operations Manager - video call
    • Panel interview and tour - in person
      • Peers
      • Leadership
  • Decision

What You'll Do 

Design Transfer and Work Instructions 

• Own the design transfer process from engineering to production for electromechanical products spanning mechanical assemblies, electrical panels, cable assemblies, PCBAs, and software-configured devices. 

• Participate in first article and prototype builds to develop firsthand understanding of each product's assembly sequence. 

• Author and maintain detailed version-controlled work instructions covering mechanical assembly, electrical integration, software configuration, and system checkout testing 

• Validate work instructions by walking team members through builds, collecting feedback, and iterating through multiple revision cycles until documentation is production-ready 

Process Engineering and Continuous Improvement 

• Evaluate assembly processes and identify opportunities to reduce time, cost, and complexity. 

• Recommend design-for-manufacturability improvements back to the engineering team, such as consolidating parts, outsourcing sub-assemblies, or simplifying assembly procedures. 

• Design and build test fixtures, jigs, and tooling to improve assembly speed, consistency, and quality 

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for receiving inspection, in-process checks, and final tests. 

• Track defects, rework rates, and scrap to identify trends and drive corrective actions 

• Establish and maintain the QA process to ensure all products shipped meet customer and Backburner Labs quality standards. 

Training and Team Development 

• Train assembly technicians and technical support staff on new products, processes, and work instructions through hands-on coaching 

• Lead ESD awareness and handling training for all team members who interact with sensitive electronics. 

• Support safety initiatives and contribute to OSHA compliance efforts, including participation in the safety committee. 

• Check in regularly with production staff to gather feedback and address issues before they become systemic. 

Client and Leadership Communication 

• Work directly with the manufacturing manager to meet production schedules and delivery commitments. 

• Communicate production status, capacity, and cost information to company leadership. 

• Interface with clients on build progress, delivery timelines, and design transfer milestones 

• Get involved early in the design process to catch manufacturability issues before they reach the production floor. 

Production Floor and Facility Operations 

• Design and organize assembly workstations with appropriate layout, tooling, ergonomics, and lighting 

• Plan and execute production floor changes as customer projects start up, scale, or wind down, including teardown and mothballing of completed programs. 

• Identify and procure production equipment and material handling solutions such as racks, bins, pallet jacks, and ESD-safe work surfaces. 

• Develop and maintain clear labeling, signage, and material flow throughout the facility. 

• Support facility buildout and expansion efforts as the business grows into new or additional spaces 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Perform light mechanical and electrical engineering tasks as needed, such as simple part modeling, cable assembly design, or electrical panel layout. 

• Design product packaging solutions including foam inserts, bubble wrap, bagging, labeling, and corrugated packaging appropriate to each product's size, weight, and environmental sensitivity 

• Coordinate with external vendors to source products and services that complement the company's manufacturing capabilities. 

• Develop product datasheets, manuals, user guides, and quick-start documentation for end customers. 

• Support production assembly during periods of high demand or between design transfer projects 

• Support the setup and adoption of ERP and PLM systems as the company scales, including defining workflows for document control, BOM management, and production tracking. 

• Assist with other duties as assigned in a growing, multi-disciplinary environment. 

What We're Looking For 

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field 

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a production engineering role 

• Demonstrated experience writing and validating work instructions for electromechanical assembly 

• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting electromechanical products 

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Onshape for fixture design and basic part modeling 

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and BOMs 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create clear documentation and work effectively across teams 

• Self-directed and comfortable working in an environment where priorities shift, and roles overlap 

• Detail-oriented with a strong quality mindset 

Nice to Have 

• Experience in a contract manufacturing, low-volume, or high-mix production environment 

• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems such as Microsoft Dynamics or Arena PLM 

• Background in packaging design or experience coordinating with packaging vendors 

• Knowledge of ESD handling standards and best practices 

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies 

• Cross-functional experience in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering 

• Familiarity with FDA-regulated or quality management system environments (ISO 13485, ISO 9001)