Discover Echo is hiring: Manufacturing Engineer in San Diego
Discover Echo, San Diego, CA, United States, 92189
Make an Impact! Discover Echo is a revolutionary company that has redesigned microscopy for the life sciences landscape. Our unique hybrid microscopes are used around the world by educators, scientists, and researchers for cutting-edge applications.
As an equal opportunity employer, we do more than accept difference. We celebrate diversity, we support employees from a wide range of backgrounds, and we benefit from the added creativity and richness that these differences bring to our offices and community. We pride ourselves on being a collaborative environment where everyone’s talents and opinions contribute to the greater good and are always recognized.
Our engineering team is growing to meet demand, and we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to help solidify our manufacturing department as we scale. As a Manufacturing Engineer at Discover Echo, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and effective production of our microscopes. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes, improving product quality, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Act as a key liaison between Engineering, Production, and Service teams.
- Own and manage the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process, including drafting, reviewing, and implementing changes across manufacturing.
- Translate engineering intent into clear, accurate work instructions, test procedures, and QC documentation for production.
- Design, build, and maintain manufacturing and test fixtures to support scalable, repeatable production.
- Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, minimize defects, and boost production efficiency.
- Support nonconformance investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for product and supplier issues.
- Troubleshoot issues on the production line and assist in removing bottlenecks or stoppages.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth transitions from engineering to manufacturing for new product introductions and updates.
- Review and interpret CAD drawings (SolidWorks preferred) and BOMs to ensure manufacturability and documentation accuracy.
- Contribute to supplier quality efforts, including corrective action reports and vendor communications.
- Support the Service team with technical documentation and feedback loops from field issues.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by partnering with design engineers and ensuring seamless transition from prototype to production
- Take initiative to identify gaps or inefficiencies and independently propose and execute solutions
Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related field).
- 2–5+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or sustaining engineering role, ideally within the consumer electronics or medical device industry.
- Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks and the ability to interpret CAD and mechanical drawings.
- Demonstrated success working independently, managing multiple tasks, and driving initiatives from concept to implementation.
- Proficient in DFM principles, with a sharp eye for detail and process efficiency.
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and written communication skills.
- Hands-on mindset — comfortable getting involved on the production floor and collaborating across departments.
- Experience with light machining, hand tools, and fixture design is a plus.
- Open to occasional international travel to support suppliers or vendors, as needed.
- Experience working within ERP or PLM systems to manage part numbers, BOMs, ECOs, and released documentation
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing tools or Six Sigma methodologies is a plus.