Engineering Build Manager

Company: Etched
Location: San Jose
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description About Etched Etched is building the world’s first AI inference system purpose-built for transformers - delivering over 10x higher performance and dramatically lower cost and latency than a B200. With Etched ASICs, you can build products that would be impossible with GPUs, like real-time video generation models and extremely deep & parallel chain-of-thought reasoning agents. Backed by hundreds of millions from top-tier investors and staffed by leading engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. Job Summary We’re looking for an Engineering Build Manager to serve as the communication liaison between engineering and operations, with a focus on executing engineering builds both locally and in Taiwan. You’ll oversee build readiness, manage material shortages, and coordinate with engineering to ensure BOM accuracy and timely delivery. This is a highly cross-functional role at the intersection of engineering, planning, and manufacturing. You’ll collaborate closely with Etched’s hardware engineers, technical program managers, and ODM partners to ensure builds are executed efficiently, with aligned expectations on demand, timelines, and output. Key responsibilities Work hand-in-hand with Platform TPMs to develop build schedules and execution timelines across vendors and CMs Support build activities on-site across CMs and vendors Engage with platform engineers to identify risks and mitigation strategies Host regularly recurring factory execution calls to monitor and manage key milestones Scope with cross-functional engineering teams to project prototypes quantities needed by each group for each build phase Be the face of engineering teams when Interacting with suppliers and vendors Optimize engineering build planning, drive prototype quotes, schedule, logistics, and communication / reporting and execution along with the CM/OEM partners Identify build risks and develop/execute risk management plans including work arounds Track and manage prototype HW distribution in a timely manner Regularly provide leadership team with project status reports including build updates and delivery timelines You may be a good fit if you have 5 years experience in hardware operations, manufacturing program management, or similar build-focused roles Strong cross-functional communication skills with engineering and supply chain teams Familiarity with BOM structures, ERP systems, and material planning workflows Experience managing builds with ODM partners, including PCB assembly and SMT processes Ability to manage multiple builds simultaneously while driving clarity on priorities and timelines Strong candidates may also have experience with (Nice-to-have qualifications) Hands-on involvement in NPI-to-MP transitions Exposure to datacenter hardware, PCB development, or high-complexity system integration Background in electrical or mechanical engineering Experience troubleshooting material shortages, allocation conflicts, or factory readiness Benefits Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits Housing subsidy of $2k per month for those living within walking distance of the office Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row) Various wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and more Daily lunch dinner in our office How we’re different Etched believes in the Bitter Lesson. We think most of the progress in the AI field has come from using more FLOPs to train and run models, and the best way to get more FLOPs is to build model-specific hardware. Larger and larger training runs encourage companies to consolidate around fewer model architectures, which creates a market for single-model ASICs. We are a fully in-person team in San Jose (Santana Row), and greatly value engineering skills. We do not have boundaries between engineering and research, and we expect all of our technical staff to contribute to both as needed. Compensation Range: $125K - $175K

Keywords: Etched, San Rafael , Engineering Build Manager, Engineering , San Jose, California