Supplier Development Engineer, Robotics

MetaShanghai, ShanghaiOn-siteFull-timeMid level, 2–5 yearsListed 6 hours ago

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About this role

Meta's Robotics Supplier Development Engineering (SDE) team is looking for a **Supplier Development Engineer** to join our growing team. The SDE team sits at the critical juncture between innovative product design and scalable, high-volume manufacturing — bridging upstream development (product design, material selection) and downstream integration (FATP). You will take ownership of the technical and operational complexities of ramping robotics products from prototype through mass production.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how Meta's next-generation robotics hardware gets built at scale. You'll work hands-on with suppliers, develop manufacturing processes, drive quality systems, and collaborate deeply with Hardware, Industrial Design, Process, Sourcing, FATP Operations.

**Component & Module Scope**

**Electromechanical:** Motors, Actuators, Gear Train

**Mechanical:** Enclosures, Housings, Structural Components, Thermal Management, Softgoods

**Electronics & Sensing:** Cables, Wire Harness, Connectors, PCBA/FPC, Tactile Sensing, Battery, Display

**Audio & Vision:** Audio Modules, Camera/Sensor/Lens, Display, Optical Covers

**Surface Finishing:** CMF/Functional Coatings & Finishes (Painting, Anodization, Specialized Coatings)

**About the Team**

The Robotics SDE team was established in 2026 under the Supply and Supplier Development Engineering organization. Our mission is to develop customized, scalable manufacturing processes and quality management systems that support Meta's robotics initiatives from prototype through production. We integrate four core functions — Manufacturing Design Engineering (MDE), Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE), Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development (AMTD), and Subject Matter Experts (SME) — to provide comprehensive technical oversight of our Tier 2 supply chain.

We engage early with Hardware, Engineering, Process, and Sourcing teams to ensure that new technologies, manufacturing methods, and quality & inspection methodologies are seamlessly integrated at the component, sub-assembly, and module levels at scale.

**Why Join Us**

- **Founding team opportunity** — Help build and shape the SDE function for Meta Robotics from the ground up
- **Cutting-edge hardware** — Work on next-generation robotics platforms (humanoid robots, actuators, sensing systems)
- **End-to-end ownership** — Own the full manufacturing lifecycle from early design engagement to mass production ramp
- **High impact** — Directly influence product architecture and supplier strategy for Meta's robotics programs
- **Cross-functional depth** — Collaborate daily with world-class Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Reliability & Safety, and sourcing teams

Responsibilities

**Manufacturing Process Development:** Develop optimized, scalable manufacturing processes for robotics components and modules — from component-level DFM through process bring-up and line qualification at supplier sites
**Quality Engineering:** Define quality characterization, inspection methodologies (FAI/CPK, MSA, OQC/IPQC/IQC), and qualification standards; oversee module qualification processes and production readiness milestone execution
**Tooling & Fixture Development:** Develop end-to-end process strategies and fixture/process bring-up solutions that provide a clear path to mass production
**Supplier Technical Management:** Assess supplier capabilities, equipment readiness, and scalability; contribute to SPOR (Supplier Plan of Record) scorecards and drive vendor capability development
**Design for Manufacturability (DFM):** Provide early DFM feedback to Product Design and Industrial Design teams, identify manufacturing process risks before architecture lock, and ensure design intent is preserved through production
**Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Partner with Hardware Engineering, Quality, Reliability, TPM, and Strategic Sourcing teams across all phases of the product development lifecycle
**Issue Resolution:** Debug manufacturing issues (yield, cosmetics, dimensions) at supplier sites from NPI through ramp; identify root causes and implement corrective actions, leverage AI to ensure preventive measures are in place

Qualifications

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or extensive experience in related field
10+ years of experience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering in a hardware product environment
Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, die casting, sheet metal fabrication, surface finishing (painting, anodization, coating), or PCBA assembly
Demonstrated ability to drive DFM, process optimization, and quality improvement at supplier sites
Experience with GD&T, statistical process control (SPC/CPK), and measurement system analysis (MSA)
Strong understanding of NPI lifecycle from prototype (EVT/DVT/PVT) through mass production ramp
Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
Experience with failure analysis and troubleshooting cosmetic and functional coating defects
Experience managing multiple suppliers and/or multiple projects concurrently
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 25–40%) to supplier sites Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
Experience managing multiple concurrent NPI programs, including milestone tracking, risk communication, and cross-functional coordination
Proficiency with metrology equipment and inspection methodologies (CMM, optical measurement, CT scanning)
Experience with FMEA, 8D, and root cause analysis methodologies
Background in supplier qualification, audit, and capability assessment (SPOR/RFI evaluation)
Experience in robotics, consumer electronics, automotive, or medical device manufacturing
Experience managing multi-supplier programs and driving process standardization across vendors
Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
Knowledge of advanced surface finishing processes (CMF, softgoods, functional coatings)
Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
Familiarity with electromechanical assemblies (motors, actuators, cable assemblies)