Mechanical Engineering Design Manager

Fairphone is a Dutch social enterprise that designs and manufactures smartphones and audio products with a strong focus on ethical sourcing, repairability, and environmental sustainability. The company's mission is to make electronics that are better for people and the planet by using responsibly sourced materials, minimizing e-waste, and ensuring fair labor conditions throughout its supply chain. Fairphone challenges the throwaway culture of the consumer electronics industry by creating devices built to last, with modular designs that allow users to repair and replace individual components themselves.

About Fairphone

Fairphone is more than just a company - we are a global leader in sustainable, modular electronics, on a mission to change the electronics industry from the inside out. Built on strong social and environmental values, we are a diverse and inclusive team from all walks of life creating market consumer electronics that make a real impact.

At Fairphone, you will find a supportive and safe space where everyone can be themselves, collaborate openly, and have the freedom to learn and grow - because that’s how we innovate and drive change together! 

So… are you a proactive, self-motivated team player who loves taking initiative and bringing positive energy? Do you thrive in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environment? Are you a great communicator who values collaboration and embraces different perspectives? And most importantly, do you feel a strong connection to Fairphone’s mission and values? If you're nodding along and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then check out our vacancy below! 

Please know that we acknowledge that we are living in a time where the use of AI can bring many efficiencies and support. However, we want to know the real YOU. Please try to limit the use of AI tools to generate answers to the application; we value authenticity and encourage you to use your creativity! 

• Location: Taipei-based or China position (you should have the right to work in either of these locations) 
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Start: ASAP
• Deadline to apply: We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply as soon as possible. 

About your role

As an experienced Mechanical Engineering Design Manager, you’re equipped with a strong understanding of the modern mechanical design and knowledge with materials to support designing smartphone; audio products and accessories. You’re the one to oversee and lead the conceptional and the executional of product mechanical and material designs.

Key Responsibilities & Objectives

Your Key Responsibilities  

• Supervising and mentoring ODM mechanical design engineers and technicians to assess product features for manufacturability and prescribe feasible processes, tooling, equipment, etc.
• Review with ODM detailed design of mechanical components, including complex assemblies and sub-systems. Ensuring designs meet functional, performance, and safety requirements, and are manufacturable.
• Support pilot runs and resolves production line issues with ODM.
• Identify and execute analysis (FEA, TA, etc.) for predictable and successful system builds and improve design processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. 
• Collaborate with local and overseas engineering and manufacturing teams to qualify tooling and define visual quality requirements.
• Providing technical support to other departments and teams, including Product Operation, Marketing, Aftersales, and customer service. 
• Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in mechanical design and manufacturing. Eg. Internally pre-study the product architecture feasibility and Special mechanised structures study (Hinge, Latch, waterproof, etc.)

Key Objectives

• Translating the product design concept into mechanical design which then forms an input for the PRD. 
• Ensuring the feasibility, robustness and quality of mechanical components, considering the specific requirements for each component.  
• Ensures designs are consistent, coherent, and meet project requirements.
• Guides the ODM throughout the mechanical engineering process to develop a product according to spec and budget and timelines.

Core Activities

• Working with Product closely to understand the design wishes and feedback the feasibility.
• Communicate with ODM to achieve product requirements with an achievable project timeline.
• Cross working with different functional teams; HW, Audio; to understand their requirements and limitations and adjust mechanical designs accordingly.

Your Skills & Experience

Must-haves:

• Bachelor or Master degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years experience in the mobile smartphone、over-ear headphone /TWS or similar complexity of consumer electronics.
• Possessing a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, CAD design software, and manufacturing processes. .
• Being knowledgeable of plastic, tooling, injection molding, assembly process. Secondary processing, such as painting, printing, and PVD.
• Capability of communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences and able to collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Hardware, Product, marketing, Aftersales). 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for identifying and resolving technical issues and challenges that arise during the design process. 
• Good English and native Manarin skills in writing and speaking to support communicating project progress and technical issues to stakeholders and addressing concerns.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in project planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Experience in collaborating with ODM and familiar with manufacturing processes.
• Experiences in tooling and applied materials development.
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources effectively in ME parts.

What Fairphone can offer you?

• The opportunity to create an impact on the electronics industry around the world.
• A diverse work environment full of international, passionate, warm-hearted team members.
• Competitive salary aligned with market standards.
• Statutory paid annual leave (10 days upon joining), public holidays, and rest days in accordance with the labour law.
• Social benefits & contributions made by both employer and employee as required under Taiwanese/Chinese law.
• Professional development opportunities for training, skill development, and career advancement.