(Senior) Production Engineer in Cambridge

Your mission is to transform Analog Manufacturing to Digital. Quantica is an additive manufacturing technology company that has developed its own printhead technology, enabling professionals to print using functional materials previously deemed impossible. As part of our team, you will be at the forefront of additive manufacturing technology, paving the way for the future.

Company Snapshot:

• Novel high viscosity printhead technology – fully developed in-house
• 2 D/3D printing platform for our printhead – fully developed in-house
• 50+ employees and growing
• International team in 2 locations (Berlin and Barcelona)
• Funded through VC investment

Your profile:

We are looking for a talented (Senior) Production Engineer who will act as Quantica's dedicated technical lead for managing our strategic Contract Manufacturer in the UK. Based in the Cambridge area, you will be the key interface responsible for industrialising our novel, high-viscosity Inkjet Printhead technology and ensuring its robust, volume production. This role demands expertise in precision engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing processes, and the complexities of inkjet. You will primarily focus on the relationship with and performance of the Contract Manufacturer (CM).

Your main responsibilities will be:

• CM Management: Serve as the on-site technical expert in our technology, driving performance, quality, and delivery targets (must be comfortable with frequent travel to the CM site).
• Process Optimization & Industrialisation: Lead the transfer and optimization of assembly and test processes for our complex print head platform.
• Troubleshooting & RCA: Spearhead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and failure investigations (8D methodology) for production line issues and field returns, specifically relating to piezoelectric inkjet components and fluidics.
• Quality & Auditing: Implement and audit CM quality systems (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans, SPC) to meet Quantica's rigorous standards.
• Planning & Collaboration: Manage the technical development plan with the CM and closely align with Quantica's Berlin and Barcelona-based R&D, Electronics, and Mechanics teams to ensure manufacturability (DFM).
• Documentation: Create and maintain robust production and quality documentation (SOPs, Work Instructions, PPAP documentation).

Work Experience:

• Essential: Proven experience in managing a Contract Manufacturer (CM) or external supplier relationship for complex engineered products.
• Crucial: Direct working experience with Inkjet Technology (industrial/piezoelectric printheads, fluidics, high-viscosity materials) OR advanced Additive Manufacturing systems.
• Strong foundation in Process Engineering, SPC (Statistical Process Control), and Quality Methodologies (FMEA, 8D, PPAP).
• Experience in the production or assembly of precision components (e.g., MEMS, microfluidics, optical/electronic assemblies).

Education:

• Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Process) or related STEM field.
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or production engineering role.

Further Skills:

• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills for managing a supplier relationship.
• A highly structured approach to problem-solving and documentation.
• Independent and self-motivated, capable of driving deliverables across different geographical sites (CM, Berlin, Barcelona).
• Excellent English communication (written and verbal).
• Willingness to be primarily based near the CM (Cambridge area) and travel to Berlin/Barcelona offices (monthly).

Why us? What we offer:

• A truly open-minded and supportive work environment with a high level of employee empowerment.
• Flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for training, development, and trade show attendance.
• An international team that enthusiastically implements new ideas.
• Opportunity to help shape policies for future mechanical development at Quantica.

About us:

Quantica is an additive manufacturing technology company that has developed its own printhead technology. Our novel printhead technology enables professionals to print using functional materials previously deemed impossible. Quantica's headquarters is located in Berlin, and we have an office in Barcelona as well. We employ people from a multitude of disciplines, such as printhead engineers, material scientists, physicists, mechanical engineers, electronic engineers, software developers, system engineers as well as business and marketing specialists. As our team comes from diverse backgrounds and from all five continents, our most used and default language is English.