Mechanical NPI & Manufacturing Engineer

About DriveNets

DriveNets is a leader in high-scale networking software for AI infrastructure and service providers. The company pioneered a disaggregated networking architecture that transforms the economics of large-scale networks while maximizing performance, utilization, and operational efficiency. DriveNets-powered networks are deployed by global leaders, including AT&T and Comcast, supporting more than 30% of total U.S. internet traffic. DriveNets AI Fabric delivers full-stack networking for AI infrastructures, providing the highest-performance, Ethernet-based alternative to InfiniBand. The solution is deployed by hyperscalers, NeoClouds, and enterprises worldwide. With over $1B raised, DriveNets continues to push the boundaries of modern networking infrastructure.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and multifaceted Mechanical NPI & Manufacturing Engineer to own mechanical systems engineering, manufacturing transfer, advanced packaging, and thermal/liquid cooling integration across our high-performance networking portfolio.

In this role, you will lead end-to-end mechanical execution from late-stage R&D through volume manufacturing at global EMS/ODM facilities. Your scope spans chassis-level systems up to full-rack scale integration, custom packaging/palletization design, and advanced data center liquid cooling architectures. You will serve as the technical authority for mechanical quality, supplier qualification, transit reliability, and production line optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• NPI Transfer & Manufacturing Execution:
• Lead seamless NPI-to-mass-production transfers, cataloging & verifying BOM completeness, 2D/3D drawing releases, and fabrication readiness for standalone switches and fully integrated rack systems.
• Author, validate, and maintain detailed Mechanical Assembly & Process Instructions for global contract manufacturing lines.
• Define together with R&D precision assembly parameters: torque specifications, fastening tooling, screw tightening sequences, and structural assembly guidelines.
• Design, validate, and commission mechanical assembly jigs, alignment fixtures, and high efficiancy tooling to ensure repeatable line assembly.
• Advanced Packaging, Palletization & Logistics Engineering:
• Design and validate primary and secondary packaging solutions, including custom cushioning (EPE/EPP foam), corrugated structures, and chassis transit protection.
• Define ESD shielding, Moisture Barrier Bags (MBB), and desiccant requirements for high-sensitivity optical and electronic assemblies.
• Optimize palletization patterns, container cube utilization, stacking strength calculations, and pallet weight distribution for global freight.
• Plan, execute, and certify transit/drop testing in accordance with international standards.
• Manage day-to-day shipping deviations, packaging waivers, and disposition of in-transit damage.
• Labeling & Regulatory Compliance Integration:
• Design unit, carton, and pallet labels; select and qualify label substrates, adhesives, and print ribbons for environmental durability (abrasion, high temperature, humidity, UV resistance per UL standards).
• Manage the physical integration and placement of global regulatory markings on chassis surfaces, rating plates, and packaging.
• Thermal Management & Liquid Cooling Architecture:
• Address mechanical-thermal integration challenges within high-power chassis and optical cages .
• Oversee mechanical validation and assembly of Liquid Cooling systems for high-density compute/switching gear, including cold plates, manifolds, quick disconnects , hoses/piping routing, fluid loop integrity, and leak detection mechanisms.
• Evaluate Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs), clamping force distribution, and flatness tolerances across high-power ASICs.
• Supplier Quality, Sourcing & On-Site Audits:
• Qualify mechanical fabrication vendors, sheet metal suppliers, precision machine shops, and server/telecom rack manufacturers.
• Conduct on-site factory and supplier capability audits across Tier-1 EMS and ODM sites (evaluating stamping, CNC, die-casting, plating, painting, and assembly environments).
• Review and sign off on First Article Inspections (FAI), packages, CMM dimensional reports, and material certifications .
• Define Incoming Quality Control (IQC) inspection plans for mech items, Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) dimensions, and AQL sampling standards.
• Production Support, Failure Analysis & Sustaining Engineering:
• Provide active mechanical line support, quickly resolving production line stops, component mismatches, and Material Review Board (MRB) dispositions.
• Lead mechanical Failure Analysis (FA), root-cause investigations , and implement robust mech Corrective/Preventive Actions.
• Drive cost-reduction redesigns.
• Qualify mechanical second sources to mitigate single-point supply chain risks.
• Author and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECO/MCO), BOM updates, and CAD revisions for mech items within the company PLM system.
• Mechanical Reliability & Environmental Qualification:
• Plan and execute mechanical stress testing.

Requirements

• Education: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience in NPI, manufacturing, and sustaining environments within the networking, telecommunications, server, optics, or data center hardware industries.
• System Integration Scope: Proven experience managing both box-level / chassis and Rack-level integration.
• Data Center & Optical Familiarity: Hands-on experience with high-density Ethernet switches, fiber-optic routing, optical transceivers, and high-speed PCB mechanical constraints.
• Thermal & Liquid Cooling Knowledge: Practical knowledge of mechanical liquid cooling architectures (cold plates, distribution manifolds, dripless quick disconnects, fluid routing, and leak mitigation).
• Packaging & Logistics Expertise: Demonstrated track record in custom PE/box packaging design, pallet optimization, and transit qualification.
• CAD & PLM Proficiency: Expert in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks), and Proficiency with enterprise PLM systems (Agile, Arena).
• Quality & Manufacturing Tools: Proficient in FAI sign-offs, CMM reports, AQL sampling, torque validation, and 8D failure analysis methodologies.
• Communication & Mobility: Excellent English technical communication skills; willingness to travel periodically to overseas manufacturing and vendor sites (EMS/ODM/Mech Suppliers) for line audits, bring-ups, and ramp support.