Application Engineer, Hardware - Houston - Bot Auto

Description

Company Introduction

At Bot Auto, we build autonomous trucks to transform the way goods are transported and improve the quality of life for communities worldwide. With a start?up spirit yet long?established experience, Bot Auto has the most seasoned team that has delivered several worlds first and worlds only. Together, we share vision, we see and build miracles and we drive the future of transportation. Join us and turn your dream into something RUNNING.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer with expertise in designing and developing specialized production equipment such as end?of?line (EOL) testing tools, quality inspection systems, and manufacturing automation. This role is critical to ensuring our retrofitting operations meet the highest safety, quality, and efficiency standards. The ideal candidate will be responsible for process standardization, quality control implementation, and continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead NPI and collaborate with design teams to ensure manufacturability of new designs.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for vehicle retrofitting, ensuring process consistency and operational efficiency.
• Design and implement customized manufacturing tools, jigs, fixtures, and end?of?line testing equipment to improve production efficiency and quality.
• Establish quality inspection methods and validation tools to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
• Perform root cause analysis for process inefficiencies or defects, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with production, design, and supply chain teams to optimize workflow, tooling, and workstation layouts for efficiency and ergonomics.
• Support automation initiatives to enhance productivity, including sensor?based inspection systems and AI?driven defect detection.
• Develop and execute training programs for technicians and operators to ensure adherence to best practices and proper use of manufacturing tools.
• Monitor key manufacturing KPIs (yield, defect rate, cycle time, OEE) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, IATF, and industry safety standards in manufacturing and quality assurance processes.
• Drive collaboration between engineering and production teams to ensure smooth transition from prototype to mass production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production tooling, or quality control within the automotive, robotics, or high?tech hardware industry.
• Deep understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM), and being able to collaborate with the design team to ensure manufacturability, scalability, and cost?effectiveness.
• Hands?on experience in designing and implementing end?of?line testing equipment, quality inspection tools, and automation solutions.
• Hands?on experience in using hand?held tools, electrical power tools, etc.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process optimization, lean principles, and Six Sigma methodologies (experience with DMAIC will be a plus).
• Expertise in CAD software (one of SolidWorks, AutoCAD, PTC Creo, and Fusion) for fixture and tooling design.
• Experience in process failure mode and effect analysis (PFMEA), be able to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret manufacturing data and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of vehicle communication protocols (CAN, LIN) and diagnostic tools for production testing.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle electrical systems.

Preferred

• Experience in autonomous vehicle, electric vehicle (EV), or robotic system manufacturing.
• Proficiency in PLC or other controller programming, automation control, and data acquisition systems will be a strong plus.
• Hands?on experience with vision?based inspection systems, AI?driven quality control, and Industry 4.0 applications.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for data processing and automation scripting.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and automotive regulatory requirements.
• Better to have basic knowledge of ISO 16750, SAE J1455.