Product Engineer

Hi! We’re Charcoal.

The world is filled with dull, primitive products that don’t add much value to our lives. A desk is just a flat surface, clothing just fabric on skin. At Charcoal, we’re changing that—using design and engineering to unlock the hidden potential of everyday products that have been stagnant for centuries.

Check out our work: www.charcoal.inc

Our award-winning desk: https://youtu.be/glMH41qvp2o

About the Role

We’re looking for a  hands-on, detail-oriented Production Engineer  to join our fast-paced startup team. You’ll be responsible for ensuring our contract manufacturing (CM) partners are running production smoothly and meeting our quality standards. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on ground-level execution, is comfortable with ambiguity, and is excited to help bring physical products to life.

What you'll do-

• Production Oversight : Visit vendor and CM sites regularly to oversee assembly and production activity. Ensure production runs as per plan, identify deviations or blockers, and escalate when needed. Coordinate with internal teams and vendors to meet delivery timelines.
• Process Implementation : Assist in implementing work instructions, assembly procedures, and quality checkpoints at CM sites. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth scale-up of new products.
• Quality Control : Perform on-site quality checks for in-process and final inspection. Create and maintain QC checklists, incoming inspection logs, and defect reports. Work with vendors to ensure resolution of quality issues and preventive measures.
• Inventory & Dispatch Coordination : Track WIP (work in progress) at vendor sites and ensure proper packaging, labeling, and shipment readiness. Support logistics team in ensuring timely pickup and dispatch.
• Documentation & Reporting : Maintain up-to-date production reports, rejection data, and issue trackers. Create SOPs and basic training materials for CM staff where necessary.

What we're looking for?

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering
• 1–2 years of experience in production, assembly, or quality in a hardware startup or manufacturing setup
• Willingness to travel frequently to vendor and CM sites (within and outside the city)
• Good understanding of assembly processes, tolerances, and inspection tools (calipers, gauges, etc.)
• Comfortable reading engineering drawings and BOMs
• Excellent communication and follow-up skills

Good to have-

• Experience with low-volume production or new product launches
• Worked on consumer hardware, lifestyle products, or electromechanical assemblies
• Exposure to ERP tools or digital tracking systems like JIRA, Trello, or Notion

Why join us?

This is your chance to be part of Charcoal’s product journey at the ground level. You’ll work with a design-first, fast-moving team, playing a critical role in turning ideas into physical products that set new benchmarks in everyday living.

We’re excited to see the craft and rigor you’ll bring to production!