Manufacturing Engineer I

Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing processes for circuit card assemblies (CCAs) and electronic assemblies using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole (TH) processes. Focus on optimizing quality, efficiency, and throughput through systematic problem-solving, production support, and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure processes are robust, repeatable, and compliant with customer, industry, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer drawings, specifications, engineering documentation, quality requirements, and engineering change notices (ECNs/ECOs).
• Develop, maintain, and improve manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.
• Create and revise operator work instructions for automated and manual assembly processes, including quality checkpoints and inspection criteria.
• Design, specify, procure, validate, and maintain manufacturing tooling, including:
  • SMT stencils
  • Wave solder pallets
  • Press-fit tooling
  • Component preparation and forming tools
  • Jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids
• Develop and maintain SMT reflow and through-hole soldering profiles to ensure product quality and process consistency.
• Maintain and support customer Bills of Materials (BOMs) within applicable systems.
• Manage chemical approval processes and support proper application of manufacturing materials and consumables.
• Monitor and control process parameters to ensure products consistently meet IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 Class 3 workmanship and quality standards.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), product launches, and engineering transfers to validate process effectiveness and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing issues related to manpower, methods, machines, materials, measurements, and environmental factors.
• Utilize root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to address process, quality, and production challenges.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve yield, quality, throughput, and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, minimizing downtime, improving process capability, and lowering manufacturing costs.
• Support line balancing, capacity planning, and changeover reduction efforts to optimize production flow.
• Collaborate effectively with Quality, Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
• Maintain accurate process documentation and engineering records.
• Adhere to all safety, environmental, health, and regulatory requirements.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and security requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Internship, co-op, or prior manufacturing experience in an electronics manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, process development, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of SMT and Through-Hole assembly processes for electronic manufacturing.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards; Class 3 experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Experience developing manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process controls.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing software preferred.