Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Who is Elve?
Elve, Inc is a deep-tech startup in Davis, CA, whose patent-pending technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations. Elve delivers a transformative approach to the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency, lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers in large quantities. Our solutions enable the next generation of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G, as well as high-resolution imaging and radar. We are looking for manufacturing automation engineers to play key roles in bringing our technology to market. If you are passionate about the future of RF electronics, additive manufacturing, precision assembly, microfabrication, vacuum systems, advanced materials processing, and working on a small and energetic team - we can’t wait to meet you!
Job Description
A manufacturing automation engineer at Elve is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of automated component and product manufacturing. A primary responsibility of this role is to improve the efficiency and quality of our manufacturing processes through appropriate application of tooling and equipment, including robotics where suitable. In addition, the engineer would also be responsible for supporting the production line through documentation, troubleshooting, training, and other production engineering tasks. Opportunities for gaining experience in other areas are also present: design, inspection, assembly, bonding, testing, and working on process development. You will be involved in the full lifecycle of product development (design, develop, test prototypes, manufacture and implement, engineering support). Given the size of our team, there are plenty of opportunities to grow, be challenged, and learn new skills. This is a full-time salaried position. The goal of this position is to allow us to rapidly iterate and validate our products while improving our designs.
Work Environment
May be a combination of the following but not limited to:
Manufacturing facility
ISO 5 - ISO 7 Cleanroom
Laboratory
Machine shop
Warehouse
Office
Requirements
Must have:
Experience automating manufacturing processes
Programming experience (Python preferred)
Hands-on experience building devices (of any kind)
Excited to learn new skills
Good communicator
Experience working in a highly collaborative team environment
Self-motivated
Detail-oriented
Good to have:
Experience implementing robotics
Experience with machine vision systems
Experience with precision manufacturing and metrology
Experience with Ultra High Vacuum systems
Experience with welding or brazing
Experience with New Product Introduction
Experience with 3D modeling using Solidworks or similar software
Experience working in a cleanroom environment
Experience in a machine shop environment
Experience using metal punching and forming tools
Experience using a microscope
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors engineering degree OR associates degree in technical field with equivalent work experience
2-10 years engineering experience
Basic hands-on tools experience
Ability to lift 50 lbs
To conform to U.S. Government technology export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to work in this role you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by ,, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about export control .
Benefits
Benefits Include:
Competitive salary
Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
Vacation time
A taste of the start-up life
Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, materials science, and additive manufacturing.
Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers
What it’s like to work at Elve
We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.