Manufacturing Engineer I
Baja Designs/sPOD is located in San Marcos, CA and is well known for revolutionizing the off-road industry with leading lights along with precise power distribution systems.
Performance lighting solutions from Baja Designs have been at the forefront of off-road lighting for 30+ years. We specialize in LED light bars, LED auxiliary lights, the world’s first laser and auxiliary lights. In addition, our sPOD precision power distribution systems are created with top-tier 12V power control solutions for various applications, including camper vans, race trucks, industrial equipment, and agriculture. We have a solution for every rider, driver, and adventurist including ATV, Motorcycle, Adventure Bike, agricultural, marine and heavy equipment.
Off-road enthusiasts are encouraged to apply!
Why Work with Us?
The 6 Core Values at Baja Designs:
Respect- Everyone is a priority
Accountability- Regardless of title, we are all responsible for our performance, words, and actions
Personal + Professional Growth- Support each other’s individual growth so we grow as a team
Teamwork- We contribute & collaborate in a positive manner
Clear + Honest Communication- Our effective communication leads to our success
Work/Life Balance- We work to live, not live to work
Baja Designs Mission Statement
“We Manufacture industry-leading solutions that inspire off road and automotive enthusiasts alike to explore the unknown. We stay on the cutting edge through best-in-class performance, craftmanship, consumer engagement, and providing meaningful solutions.”
Baja Designs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Baja Designs recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
What you can look forward to as a Baja Designs employee:
We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance; employer paid dental, vision, disability, life, and AD&D; 401K with a generous company match; tuition assistance; holiday, vacation and paid sick time; casual work environment, and much more!
Reports To: Southern California Division Production Engineer
Location: San Marcos, CA – On Site
Key Responsibilities:
· Work with Manufacturing Engineering and New Product Development Engineering to develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of Baja Designs and sPOD products.
· Manage or participate in any or all manufacturing projects related to new or existing products.
· Provide technical support to San Marcos and Toluca production teams to resolve component manufacturing and finished good assembly issues to improve product quality.
· Conduct time studies and workflow analysis to streamline operations in Toluca and San Marcos production areas.
· Develop, update, and implement quality control procedures and standards to ensure suppliers and products meet specifications.
· Assist Toluca, MX manufacturing facility with quality standards and guide team on management of component quarantine.
· Review and update manufacturing drawings for tolerances, critical dimensions, and pertinent information based on manufacturing needs.
· Create wiring harness diagrams, BOMs, and source components.
· Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address quality issues tied to Baja Designs and sPOD finished good products and components.
· Work with Product Development and New Product Development Engineering to validate vehicle specific kit fitment issues tied to model year updates or manufacturing deviations.
· Sample inspection and approval of die cast parts, injection molded parts, and sheet metal parts.
· Create work instructions for Production, Customer Support, Purchasing, Marketing and Sales departments.
· Establish, define, and document standards for die casting, injection molding, hard coating, powder coating, anodizing, pressure tests, sheet metal fabrication, component performance testing, and other processes used by Baja Designs and sPOD products.
· Proactively assist Purchasing, Operations, Production, Shipping through unexpected production disruptions that jeopardize throughput.
· Coordinate with New Product Development Engineering and Purchasing teams to design and maintain fixtures for contract manufacturers, assembly lines, and QC stations.
· Assist in setting up new assembly processes for new products, wiring, and circuit boards.
Requirements & Qualifications:
· Must be an automotive and lighting enthusiast.
· Must have experience working on cars, trucks, UTVs, and/or motorcycles.
· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
· Some travel is required (~10%) to meet with Toluca (MX) manufacturing team, clients, suppliers, tradeshows, and industry events.
· Willingness to occasionally work flexible hours (testing products at night/on weekends, support other departments, industry events/shows, meet deadlines, etc.) (~10%).
· (2-5) years Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering related work experience.
· Experience with SolidWorks.
· Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
· Strong organizational skills.
· Ability to self-prioritize, take ownership of responsibilities, and meet agreed task due dates.
· Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions while also being able to work with little to no supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Relevant work experience in automotive or lighting fields.
· Experience working with die casting, injection molding, 3d printing & scanning, sheet metal fabrication, and CNC machining.
· Experience working with SMT lines.
· Material (die cast aluminum, O-rings, plastics, stainless steel, mild steel) and coatings (powder coat, screen printing, anodizing, marine, zinc plating) properties knowledge.
Pay Range:
$65,000 - $80,000/year, depending on qualifications