MES / Manufacturing Systems Engineer
Software Engineering
Emeryville, CA, USA
Company Description
Akash Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed, late-stage, Bay Area company that makes and sells Diamond Cooled GPU-based servers to AI companies, Cloud Service Providers, and data centers worldwide. The deep tech company pioneered Diamond Cooling® technology wherein the world’s most thermally conductive material, lab-grown diamond, is brought close to the GPU chip – the densest heat source in a modern high compute server. The resulting Akash server exhibits more compute in FLOPS (>50%) and FLOPS per Watt (by 2x) than any other server in the market today. Akash’s Diamond Cooled servers also reduce the energy cost of cooling the entire data center and maintain performance in high ambient temperatures. The company’s lead investors include Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund. Akash Systems has deployed its Diamond Cooling® technology in space, with many Akash satellite radios in orbit.
Role Description
We are seeking a hands-on MES / Manufacturing Systems Engineer to lead the implementation, configuration, and continuous improvement of our FactoryLogix system. This is a fulltime onsite position based in Emeryville/Oakland, CA. This role bridges manufacturing operations and factory test data with digital systems, ensuring that shop floor processes are accurately translated into MES workflows, enabling real-time visibility, traceability, and scalable production. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable on the production floor and working within system configuration and data.
In addition, this role will be responsible for establishing and managing project plans to ensure deliverables are completed to expectations, including defining scope, identifying risks, and driving schedules using project management tools such as project plans, risk analyses, and issue tracking systems. The position also requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, proactive communication of project status, and the ability to navigate evolving priorities. Other incidental duties assigned by leadership may include supporting related digital manufacturing initiatives, contributing to process documentation, or assisting with operational readiness activities.
Responsibilities
MES Ownership & Configuration
• Lead implementation and ongoing management of the MES platform (FactoryLogix)
• Configure routes, workflows, work instructions, and data collection points
• Define and maintain product traceability and genealogy requirements
• Ensure MES accurately reflects real-world manufacturing processes
Manufacturing Process Integration
• Translate production processes into standardized digital workflows
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process, and Test Engineering to define best practices
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by building MES structures for new SKUs
• Drive consistency between engineering intent and shop floor execution
Data, Reporting & Analysis
• Extract, analyze, and validate MES data using SQL and reporting tools
• Develop dashboards and reporting for key KPIs (OEE, yield, throughput, scrap)
• Develop procedures for translating large test databases into meaningful factory metrics.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across systems
Systems Integration
• Collaborate with IT to integrate MES with ERP, quality systems, and equipment
• Define data flows, interfaces, and system interactions
• Support automation and machine connectivity where applicable
Training & Adoption
• Train operators, technicians, and engineers on MES usage
• Drive consistent system adoption across production
• Identify and eliminate manual workarounds and inefficiencies
Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort
• Improve traceability, quality control, and production visibility
• Support lean manufacturing and process optimization initiatives
Project Planning & Execution
- Establish project plans to ensure deliverables are completed on time and to expectations
- Use project management tools (project schedules, risk analyses, issue tracking, etc.) to manage scope, risks, and milestones
- Coordinate cross‑functional teams and communicate project status, risks, and required actions
- Ensure structured execution of MES-related initiatives and manufacturing systems changes
- Perform other incidental duties as assigned by leadership
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Computer Science, or related field.
- Equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing systems, SQL programming, or MES implementation (FactoryLogix strongly preferred) will be strongly considered.
- 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or manufacturing systems.
- SQL query and procedure development for manufacturing logistics, test data management, and reporting analytics.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (assembly, test, rework, NPI).
- Experience with BOMs, routings, and engineering change processes (ECO/ECN).
- Proficiency with SQL for data analysis and troubleshooting.
- Strong problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science preferred.
- Experience integrating MES with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, etc.).
- Statistical methods and filtering prowess dealing with test and measurement data databases.
- Familiarity with shop floor equipment integration or automation.
- Experience with traceability requirements in regulated industries (medical, aerospace, etc.)
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience in high-mix, low-volume or scaling production environments.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:
- Base salary: competitive and based on experience, skills, and qualifications
- Annual performance bonus
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible PTO policy
Akash Systems does not sponsor or take over sponsorship for employment visas for this role (e.g., H‑1B, O‑1, TN, F‑1/OPT, etc.). Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card Holders).