Senior Manufacturing Engineer

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration.   We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed. We’re seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of complex wire harness programs across our customer portfolio. You’ll develop engineering packages including detailed work instructions and formboards, drive process improvements and serve as the technical point of contact for assigned programs, working closely with production, quality and customers to deliver.   You’ll own programs end-to-end – managing customer relationships, solving complex technical challenges, developing build processes, and ensuring quality and delivery targets are met. You need to be self-sufficient, technically deep, and comfortable operating with minimal direction.   This role reports to the Lead Manufacturing Engineer but operates with significant independence day-to-day.  What you'll own: Manufacturing Engineering & Process Development  Lead planning and coordination of complex harness builds by developing comprehensive work instructions, formboards, and tooling solutions  Establish manufacturing standards and processes that enable production to build efficiently and autonomously  Drive improvements to quality, efficiency, and throughput through process benchmarking and workflow optimization  Evaluate new parts and processes, determining optimal paths for assembly and scalability  Commission new equipment, qualify processes, and optimize production flow as needed  Partner with the production team on technical issues that require engineering disposition, providing structured solutions rather than ad hoc floor support  Continuous Improvement & Site Operations   Work with the production team to surface systemic issues, translating recurring blockers into process improvements and engineering solutions  Collaborate with the software team on digital solutions to improve traceability, workflow, and reporting  Maintain 5S, lean manufacturing principles, and adherence to aerospace quality standards  Develop and maintain engineering documentation that keeps assigned programs aligned with IPC-620/NASA 8739.4 and customer-specific requirements  Customer Program Management   Serve as the primary technical liaison between production and assigned customers  Manage complex technical inquiries, resolve escalated issues, and ensure adherence to stringent specifications  Collaborate with the Program Management Team on program reviews and customer communications, providing technical depth and engineering rationale as needed   Coordinate cross-functionally with production, quality, and supply chain to maintain program momentum and resolve blockers  What you'll bring to the team: Bachelor's degree in engineering, STEM-related field, or 8+ years of directly related hands-on manufacturing experience  5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in fast-paced production environments (wire harness, electrical assembly, or similar)  Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a high-accountability role  Strong customer-facing skills with ability to manage technical relationships and communicate effectively  Proficiency in CAD tools for creating assembly drawings and tooling designs  Deep understanding of manufacturing principles: material workflow optimization, PFMEA, 5S, lean manufacturing, time studies, capacity planning  Expert ability to evaluate parts and processes, determining optimal assembly approaches quickly  Self-motivated problem-solver who thrives on autonomy and takes ownership of outcomes  Excellent project management skills with ability to juggle multiple programs and priorities  Preferred:  Certification or extensive experience with IPC-620 or NASA STD 8739.4 standards  Deep expertise in aerospace and defense wire harness best practices and quality standards  Experience at a contract manufacturing company managing multiple customer programs simultaneously  Hands-on background with complex harness fabrication, box builds, connector mates, and electrical testing — used to inform engineering decisions, not as a primary job function  Experience leading process improvement initiatives (Six Sigma, Kaizen) with documented efficiency gains  10+ years of overall manufacturing engineering experience with progressive responsibility  Background with MES or ERP systems  Supply chain coordination experience  Compensation:   Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.   Salary Range: $130,000-$180,000  This is an onsite role at our headquarters in Redondo Beach, CA or Cypress, CA.    Benefits:   Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team   Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!    Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage   Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses   20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement Choose a record you love, and we’ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!   $50/month DoorDash credit – lunch is on us!    Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships    Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages   Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!    Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking   Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots   We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Contact us at jobs@senrasystems.us or visit our website https://senrasystems.us.  ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.   Pay range$130,000—$180,000 USD