Manufacturing Engineer (NPI & ODM Operations)

About NextSense

At NextSense (https://nextsense.io/), our mission is to restore energy, joy, and purpose to daily life through clinically validated brain-sensing technology. Based in Mountain View, CA, our multi-modal smart earbud platform is designed to enhance sleep at night and boost energy throughout the day. Join us in shaping the future of wearable EEG and machine learning-driven insights.

Your Role

• We are a close-knit team of experts in hardware, software, algorithms, and neuroscience.
• Your mission is to own manufacturing of our EEG earbud, from engineering builds through mass production, and to be our primary interface to our ODM partner in China.
• You will drive NPI builds (EVT, DVT, PVT, MP): build readiness, on-site support at the factory, build reports, and closure of open issues and corrective actions.
• You will track production health day to day (schedules, yields, line and test-station data, first-pass failures) and drive root-cause analysis (8D/CAPA) with the ODM and our internal electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• You will debug issues that cross domains: mechanical fit and cosmetics, acoustics, battery and charging, Bluetooth/RF, and the quality of our EEG sensing components (electrodes, coatings, impedance screening).
• You will run the program: master schedule, deliverables and open-issue tracking, BOM/PO and vendor payment status, risk flagging, and crisp weekly updates to leadership.
• Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and multi-geo teams across US and Asia time zones.

Essentials

• Experience: 5+ years in manufacturing, NPI, or hardware program engineering for consumer electronics; you have taken at least one product through EVT/DVT/PVT into mass production.
• Mandarin: Professional fluency (spoken; written strongly preferred), required for daily communication with our China-based ODM and suppliers.
• China experience: Direct, hands-on experience managing Chinese ODMs/CMs, and willingness to travel to China regularly (~25%, including multi-week on-site stays during builds).
• Program management: Highly organized; proven ability to own schedules, track deliverables across vendors and internal teams, and turn messy factory data into actionable reports and decisions.
• Debugging: Hands-on root-cause skills. Comfortable reading schematics and mechanical drawings, analyzing production and test data, and running structured failure analysis.
• Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and experience working with cross-functional, distributed teams.
• Startup Mindset: Adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; comfortable wearing multiple hats.
• At this time, we're only able to consider applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Desired: Familiarity with any of the following

• TWS earbuds / hearables: audio, battery, charging case, antenna/RF, and Bluetooth SoC platforms
• Biosignal wearables: EEG/PPG sensing, dry electrodes, coatings and surface treatments, impedance testing
• Production test engineering: test station bring-up, fixtures, yield and SPC analysis
• DFM, plastics, and tooling
• Reliability testing and returns/RMA failure analysis

Company Culture and Values

At NextSense, we value hard work but also believe in enjoying the journey. Our fast-paced environment is balanced with a fun, collaborative atmosphere that fosters innovation and creativity. We are hands-on, often wearing multiple hats to drive our mission forward. There is ample room for professional growth, with opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and make a significant impact. Our culture proceeds from our core values: Conviction, Connection, Curiosity, Compassion, Candor, and Co-Founder Mentality.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive Salaries: $130K–$170K plus stock options
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision
• Collaborative Work Environment: Supportive, cross-functional teams with opportunities to travel for sync-ups
• Make a Real Impact: Work on a mission-driven product that restores joy, energy, and purpose

Application Process Our application process is designed to ensure the best fit for both you and NextSense. It includes:

• Application: Submit your resume and a brief paragraph explaining why our mission resonates with you.
• Screening Interview: A short call to align on goals and experience.
• Team Interviews: 2–4 sessions with various team members to explore technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.