Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing  Engineer - Ekoa® by Lingrove

Location: San Rafael, CA 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Join Lingrove

At Ekoa® by Lingrove we’re revolutionizing the built environment with our eco-friendly, high-performance interior product line, Ekoa. As trailblazers who strive to make the world better, we harness crazy strong flax to make Ekoa for natural wall protection and millwork applications. Flax is rapidly renewable and is as durable as it is healthy. Ekoa blends performance, style, and Red-List-free ingredients—for great design that’s good for people and the planet. Are you ready to make a lasting impact?

We are seeking a hands-on, execution-focused Manufacturing Engineer to help scale our production. This role is a hybrid of process engineer, operator, and problem solver, ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced startup environments and enjoys both building systems and working directly on the manufacturing floor.

You will play a critical role in improving process consistency, increasing throughput, and enabling the team to scale efficiently. This is a player/coach role, meaning you will both develop and implement processes while actively supporting daily production as needed.

• Develop, document, and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production processes
• Identify and implement improvements to increase yield, reduce scrap, and improve cycle times
• Analyze production data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for optimization
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process variability, equipment issues, and quality deviations

• Actively support machine operation and production activities during peak demand or staffing gaps
• Partner with operators to ensure adherence to standard work and best practices
• Train/coach operators on new processes, equipment, quality standards, and safety
• Serve as the first line of escalation for on-the-floor technical issues

• Establish and maintain process control parameters to ensure consistent product quality
• Collaborate with the Sample Program Manager to transition new products from development into production
• Support development of testing methods, quality checks, and inspection standards

• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing, waste reduction, 5S, etc.)
• Reduce downtime through process improvements and collaboration with technical/maintenance resources
• Improve changeover efficiency and production planning inputs

• Work closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Revenue teams to align production with demand
• Provide input on equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and scaling strategies
• Support new equipment commissioning and process validation

• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or production engineering
• Hands-on experience working in a production environment (not purely theoretical/desk-based)
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis
• Ability and willingness to work on the production floor regularly
• Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation

• Experience in materials manufacturing, composites, paper, wood products, or similar processes
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, standard work, etc.)
• Experience working in startup or scaling environments
• Exposure to process variability (e.g., natural or non-uniform raw materials)
• Understanding of equipment maintenance and reliability

What We Offer 

• Competitive salary and stock options based on experience 
• Opportunities for collaboration and mentorship within the company 
• A supportive team environment that values creativity and innovation 
• Comprehensive benefits package (health insurance, flex paid time off, 401(k), etc.) 

How to Apply 

We are actively seeking passionate and motivated individuals to join our team, even if you don't check every box on the qualifications list. If you possess a strong foundation in the relevant skills required above and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply. We value potential and are committed to providing opportunities for growth and development within the role. Please submit your resume to hr@ekoa.design.

We look forward to welcoming you to our growing team! 

Ekoa by Lingrove is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. Join us in fostering a diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.