Lead Production Engineer

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration. We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed. We’re building a dedicated Production Engineering function at Senra Systems from the ground up, and we need a leader to own it. As Lead Production Engineer, you will define how Production Engineering operates day-to-day, hire and develop a team of Production Engineers, and serve as the primary bridge between Production and Manufacturing Engineering teams. This is a player-coach role – you carry your own technical workload while growing the people around you. Where Manufacturing Engineers own the front end – BOMs, Engineering Masters, work instructions, formboards – you own execution. Your team is the technical backbone of the production floor: troubleshooting builds in real time, dispositioning NCRs, supporting first articles, and ensuring every kit that hits a workbench is accurate and ready to work. This role reports directly to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager and works cross-functionally with the Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams. What you'll own: Team Leadership & Development • Hire, onboard, and develop a team of Production Engineers; set clear performance expectations and build a high-accountability team culture • Hold regular 1:1s with your team; understand their development goals and actively create growth opportunities • Define escalation paths clearly – what PEs handle, what comes to you, and what goes to ME or Quality Floor Technical Authority • Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex production issues, difficult NCR dispositions, and critical first article reviews • Maintain hands-on presence; this role leads from the floor, not from a desk • Own first article sign-off for the PE team; review and approve PE-initiated dispositions before release ME–PE Interface • Own the working relationship between Production Engineering and the ME organization; represent production needs in engineering planning conversations • Ensure documentation issues (redlines, work instruction gaps, formboard errors) are tracked, communicated, and resolved with the ME team within defined SLAs • Provide structured feedback to ME leads on recurring documentation or DFM issues surfaced during production NCR Performance & Quality • Own PE team NCR disposition SLA performance; track aging and report weekly to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager • Drive root cause and corrective action on repeat non-conformances; close the loop with production and quality • Partner with Quality on workmanship trends, inspection holds, and systemic issues requiring cross-functional action Kitting & Material Flow Oversight • Oversee kit verification processes and ensure the PE team is catching discrepancies before they reach the floor • Identify systemic kitting gaps and escalate to ME and supply chain with data-backed recommendations Metrics & Reporting • Track and report PE team performance weekly: NCR disposition SLA, first article cycle time, open issue aging • Provide commentary on trends, risks, and improvement actions – not just raw numbers Process Development • Define and document how Production Engineering operates at Senra – standard workflows, escalation paths, and handoff protocols with ME – particularly as Factory Two scales up • Identify and lead targeted process improvement initiatives that reduce rework, floor disruptions, or NCR volume What you'll bring to the team: • 5+ years in wire harness or cable assembly manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a senior, lead, or manager-level role • Deep knowledge of wire harness assembly processes: wire prep, crimping, soldering, backshell assembly, harness routing, and electrical testing • Strong working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards; CIS or CIT certification preferred • Experience managing or mentoring engineers or technicians with measurable results • Ability to read and interpret complex wiring diagrams, schematics, assembly drawings, and specifications • Strong verbal communicator – comfortable working with technicians, supervisors, and cross-functional engineers in the same conversation • Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) Preferred: • Experience in an aerospace or defense contract manufacturing environment • Familiarity with NASA 8739.4 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 space addendum workmanship requirements • Experience with MIL-spec connectors and contacts across multiple connector families • Experience supporting a facility scale-up, production line bring-up, or new product introduction in a high-mix environment • Familiarity with ERP or MES systems in a manufacturing environment Success in This Role Looks Like: Within 6–12 months, you will have: • Hired and onboarded a functioning PE team with clear roles, expectations, and escalation paths in place • Established and maintained NCR disposition SLA compliance across the PE team, with visible reduction in NCR aging • Defined the PE–ME handoff workflow – documentation feedback is structured, tracked, and actioned on a regular cadence • Delivered weekly metrics to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager with meaningful commentary, not just data • Built a floor culture where technicians trust the PE team and quality issues are caught early rather than escaping to inspection Compensation:  • Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.  • Salary Range: $115,000-$155,000 • This is an onsite role at our factory in Cypress, CA. Benefits:  • Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team  • Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!   • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses  • 20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation • a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement • Choose a record you love, and we’ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!  • $50/month DoorDash credit – lunch is on us!   • Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships   • Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages  • Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!   • Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking  • Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots  We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Contact us at jobs@senrasystems.us or visit our website https://senrasystems.us. ITAR REQUIREMENTS: • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. Pay range $115,000—$155,000 USD