Manufacturing Engineer - Production & Automation

At 1872 AI, we are transforming industrial manufacturing in the United States by building AI-native factories capable of lights-out production—from CAD to finished part with minimal human input. Our initial focus targets the energy and infrastructure sectors—power generation, grid infrastructure, and compute facilities—where critical supply chain bottlenecks in steel fabrication are limiting growth.

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an early or mid-career manufacturing engineering role for someone who wants to become exceptional by building real production systems from the ground up. You will work directly under the Head of Operations to help develop, validate, and stabilize AI-driven welding and fabrication systems. This role is not about maintaining existing processes — it is about learning how to build stable, data-driven production systems from first principles. You will spend meaningful time on the production floor running experiments, capturing data, debugging equipment, and helping translate live production learning into repeatable standards. If you want a structured corporate environment, this role is not for you. If you want accelerated exposure to automation, welding systems, and factory architecture — and are comfortable being challenged technically — you will grow quickly here.

• Primary Interfaces: Production Technicians, Automation & Controls Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Customer Engineering teams
• Key Metrics: First Pass Yield, Cycle Time, Uptime, Weld Quality, Lead Time
• Key Systems/Tools: AI-driven welding systems, CNC cutting/bending systems, CAD models and drawings, spreadsheets and basic data analysis (Excel/Google Sheets), Python/SQL (nice to have)

Key Responsibilities

• Support process development and validation for welding, cutting, and forming operations under guidance from senior engineers.
• Execute structured process trials on welding, cutting, and forming systems - capturing parameters, documenting results, and identifying performance gaps.
• Own data collection and analysis for production metrics (yield, cycle time, or quality drifts) by reviewing data, proposing root causes, and helping implement corrective actions.
• Work with production technicians to standardize setups, improve tooling, and reduce variability.
• Contribute to DFM feedback for customer parts by flagging manufacturability risks (tight tolerances, access constraints, complex welds) and suggesting practical design adjustments.
• Participate in quality control activities: measurement plans, sensor-selection and implementation, first article checks, and build SPC tracking to detect trends early.
• Help build and maintain the 1872 Manufacturing OS by documenting learnings, standardizing best practices, and turning tribal knowledge into repeatable playbooks.

Base Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Welding Engineering, or related field (or graduating by start date).
• Internship, co-op, senior project, research lab, or hands-on build experience in a manufacturing environment (welding/fabrication a plus).
• Demonstrated interest in how manufacturing systems actually work — not just design theory.
• Comfortable spending meaningful time on the shop floor supporting builds and troubleshooting with technicians.
• Strong written communication and attention to detail (you can produce clean notes, checklists, and process docs).
• Demonstrated ability to accept feedback, revise approach, and iterate quickly.

We consider equivalent experience. If you meet most of the requirements, apply.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to welding or metal fabrication processes (MIG/TIG, fixtures, weld symbols, basic metallurgy).
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel/Jmp/Python/SQL helpful but not required).
• Familiarity with quality fundamentals (FAI, measurement tools, Cp/Cpk basics, or SPC concepts).
• You enjoy solving real-world production problems more than working in purely theoretical or laboratory environments.

This role is best suited for candidates 0-8 years into their engineering career who want accelerated responsibility and are comfortable being technically challenged. Growth Path In this role, you will learn:

• How to validate welding procedures in production environments
• How to debug automated manufacturing systems
• How to apply SPC and structured root cause analysis
• How to translate CAD into stable, repeatable production processes

Successful performance in this role leads to expanded ownership of processes and progression towards senior engineering or leadership roles.

How to Apply

Fill out our application form and see what we can build together! Please include:

• Resume or LinkedIn profile
• 1–2 examples of hands-on work (internship project, capstone, lab work, shop project, or a brief write-up of something you built/improved)

This role is based on-site in Cincinnati, OH and is not open to remote work. 1872 AI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To request a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected] . 1872 AI is military-friendly and welcomes veterans and transitioning active-duty service members. If you are transitioning, please indicate your expected separation date when you apply or contact [email protected] for more information. This position may be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable law. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Remote About the Company: 1872 Apply tot his job Apply To this Job