Operations Product Engineer

Description

Quantum Machines is a global leader in control systems for quantum computing, a field on the verge of exponential growth.

Our innovative hardware and software mark a groundbreaking approach in quantum computer control, scaling from individual qubits to expansive arrays of thousands.

At the core of QM lies a passionate and ambitious team committed to reshaping the construction and operation of quantum computers. Our work is fueled by a deep understanding of customer needs, driving us to deliver unparalleled solutions in this revolutionary field.

We are seeking a highly driven, hands-on Operations Production Engineer to join our Operations & Manufacturing team. In this role, you will serve as the primary operational link to our Contract Manufacturers (CMs), drive the end-to-end NPI handoff process into steady-state production, manage legacy product lines, and streamline the production-side RMA pipeline.

If you thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced hardware environment, love diagnosing complex manufacturing challenges, and are passionate about continuous improvement, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Contract Manufacturer (CM) Management & Line Ownership

• CM Operations & Execution: Drive day-to-day operational and technical alignment with external CMs to ensure high build execution, product yield, and strict adherence to quality and schedule targets.
• Manufacturing Bottlenecks: Identify and resolve yield drops, component shortages/substitutions, or assembly issues directly with vendor engineering teams.
• ECO/ECN Release: Oversee engineering change implementation across active production runs at the CM, maintaining clear configuration control.

NPI Composition Handoff & Legacy Product Support

• NPI to Production Handoff: Lead the operational composition and transfer of new product introductions (NPI) from R&D into scalable volume manufacturing at the CM level.
• Legacy Product Management: Maintain operational health, sustaining engineering, and end-of-life (EOL) management for legacy product lines to ensure ongoing delivery stability.
• Process Documentation: Define standard operating procedures (SOPs), assembly routing, build packages, and work instructions for incoming product variants.

Production RMA Process

• RMA Pipeline Management: Take ownership of the production side of the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process, ensuring rapid triage, dispositioning, and turnaround times.
• Feedback Loop: Feed critical quality, design, and manufacturing insights back to R&D and Quality teams to drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements.

Continuous Improvement

• Yield & Efficiency Optimization: Track key operational metrics (First Pass Yield, Scrap, Cycle Time) and implement engineering fixes to minimize waste and reduce lead times.
• Tooling & Fixturing: Coordinate with suppliers to design, validate, or upgrade assembly fixtures, jigs, and test setups.

Requirements

Must-Have

• Education: B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering,g Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 3–5+ years of experience as a Production, Manufacturing, or NPI Engineer in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary hardware environment.
• Domain Expertise: Proven background working with high-precision electronics, RF systems, or advanced scientific control equipment.
• CM Oversight: Hands-on experience managing external Contract Manufacturers (assembly lines, technical alignment, yield tracking, and performance reviews).
• NPI & Legacy Management: Demonstrated ability to manage NPI handoff composition into volume production, as well as sustaining/legacy product management.
• RMA Management: Proven track record running and dispositioning production-side RMA workflows.
• Systems & Processes: Strong working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MES systems (e.g., Agile, Jira, Priority, NetSuite, SAP).
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written English skills for effective cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Supply Chain, and external vendor leadership.

Nice-to-Have

• Lean Six Sigma: Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) or practical experience with Lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement methodologies.

Soft Skills

• High degree of ownership and accountability
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented and structured and creative approach to problem-solving
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

Why Join Us?

• Work on cutting-edge quantum and multidisciplinary technologies
• Influence on how legacy and new products are supported and scaled
• Be part of a growing operations organization with strong engineering culture
• Collaborate closely with R&D, PE, Quality, and Manufacturing teams