Manufacturing Engineering Technical Leader

Role Overview:

The Manufacturing Engineer serves as a strategic technical lead, responsible for orchestrating manufacturing operations and managing complex technical challenges within ODM/JDM supplier environments. This role requires deep expertise in ODM ecosystems, with a focus on manufacturing end-to-end processes and advanced quality management systems. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead the development, implementation, and governance of manufacturing processes that drive productivity, optimize costs, and champion continuous improvement across the end-to-end product life cycle, also influence cross-functional strategies to ensure global operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

·Strategic NPI & Lifecycle Leadership

oOrchestrate NPI Strategy: Lead the end-to-end NPI manufacturing strategy, ensuring seamless transition from engineering design to mass production. Drive DFM (Design for Manufacturing), DFT (Design for Testing), DFAA (Design for Automated Assembly), and PFMEA initiatives to mitigate risks proactively.

oCross-Functional Orchestration: Align Engineering, Quality, and Component Operations to synchronize compliance, manufacturing timelines, and production readiness for new and existing platforms.

oTest Architecture: Coordinate with TDE(Test Design Engineering) to define comprehensive test strategies that balance coverage, cycle time, and cost. Architect automated test solutions that integrate seamlessly with Cisco's global manufacturing infrastructure (One Ring/Cisco Dashboard).

·Quality Governance & Escalation Management

oQuality Governance: Drive quality metrics (FPY, Yield) and conduct deep-dive performance reviews. Direct systemic root cause analysis (RCA) and ensure robust corrective action implementation.

oEscalation Leadership: Lead the management of production line interruptions, including line-stop and stop-ship incidents, ensuring timely resolution and long-term systemic stability.

oProcess Discipline: Uphold stringent quality standards (IPC Class 3) and ensure compliance with all applicable security and regulatory policies.

·Process Engineering & Technical Innovation

oProcess Architecture: Develop and enhance PCBA & FATP manufacturing processes (SMT, wave soldering, automation, assembly and testing). Lead value engineering initiatives to drive productivity and cost optimization.

oPredictive Analytics: Transition the team from reactive troubleshooting to predictive analytics. Leverage advanced data tools to identify process trends and test-related failures before they impact mass production.

oAutomation Deployment: Drive the development and deployment of automated test fixtures and software, leading the transition from manual testing to fully automated test cells.

·Supplier Strategic Management & Policy Governance

oSupplier Governance: Manage EMS/ODM production capacity to meet business needs. Provide strategic input for scorecards and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).

oSupplier Development: Lead new supplier evaluations, site audits, and oversee complex product transfers (local & international). Onboard new ODM sites and enhance their technical capabilities.

oPolicy Formation: Develop, implement, and maintain end-to-end ODM policies in accordance with Cisco's global manufacturing organization (GMO) standards. Approve and govern Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Deviation requests.

Qualifications:

         •       Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's degree preferred).

         •       Experience: Minimum 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing engineering within EMS/ODM environments.

         •       Technical Mastery: Extensive expertise in SMT/PCBA/ATP processes, equipment, test process optimization and advanced quality management systems.

         •       Strategic Influence: Proven ability to diagnose complex manufacturing issues and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

         •       Governance & Auditing: Deep experience in supplier audits, policy formation, and QMS development.

         •       Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading process improvement initiatives and mentoring technical teams.

         •       Communication: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at the leadership level and work effectively in a global, matrixed environment.

         •       Mobility: Ability to travel to supplier locations globally as required.

Why Cisco? 

At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere. 

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.