Prototype Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Supervisor – NPI & Prototype Production

Mountain View, CA

Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly organized and hands-onManufacturing Supervisor to lead day-to-day NPI and prototype production activities across multiple projects, product configurations, and development builds. This role will be responsible for ensuring prototype builds are executed safely, efficiently, and according to engineering requirements and production schedules.

The Manufacturing Supervisor will work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to coordinate resources, resolve production issues, and maintain build readiness. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced NPI environment where priorities, configurations, and build requirements can change frequently.

What you'll do: NPI & Prototype Production

• Supervise daily prototype and NPI production activities across multiple programs and product configurations.
• Plan and coordinate production resources, labor, equipment, materials, and workstations to support build schedules.
• Ensure builds are executed according to engineering documentation, work instructions, BOMs, drawings, and configuration requirements.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent builds while maintaining clear configuration and revision control.
• Monitor build progress and communicate schedule risks, constraints, and issues to cross-functional stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Assign daily work and establish priorities based on program and build requirements.
• Monitor team performance, productivity, quality, and adherence to standard work.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Quality to identify, contain, and resolve production and quality issues.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Materials teams to ensure parts and materials are available when required.
• Escalate production blockers and recommend solutions to keep builds on schedule.

Production & Configuration Control

• Maintain accurate tracking of build status, configuration, quantity, and production issues.
• Ensure the correct parts, revisions, BOMs, drawings, and work instructions are used for each build.
• Maintain accurate production records, build documentation, and traceability.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure prototype builds meet established quality standards and engineering requirements.
• Drive root-cause identification and corrective actions for recurring manufacturing issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve prototype build processes, efficiency, quality, and repeatability.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all production activities are performed in accordance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment.
• Ensure personnel are properly trained and qualified for assigned work.

What you have:

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, NPI, or prototype manufacturing.
• 2+ years of experience leading or supervising manufacturing personnel.
• Associates degree in a technical field mandatory, Bachelors in engineering discipline preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and build execution.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in high-tech, automotive, aerospace, robotics, electronics, optics, or other complex electromechanical manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting prototype builds from early development through NPI and production ramp.
• Experience with ERP, MES, PLM, or manufacturing execution systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement experience.

Salary Range

$154,900—$209,600 a year

Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.

Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.