Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer - SMT/PCBA

About the Role

This is an exciting role in a growing company. The ideal candidate for the Senior Principal Electronics Process Engineering position is someone who has experience or can lead the implementation of a new PCB manufacturing line, with a specific focus on pallet bonding and surface mount technology (SMT) processes. This role will be instrumental in driving process development, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and optimizing production workflows to support high-quality PCB assembly. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PCB manufacturing, SMT, and process engineering, along with experience in equipment selection, validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of pallet bonding equipment, SMT, and manual electronics assembly at low/mid volumes, ensuring adherence to quality, efficiency, and industry standards.
• Identify and implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and automation solutions to optimize production workflows.
• Monitor and analyze process performance metrics, troubleshoot defects, and implement corrective actions to enhance product yield and quality.
• Partner with engineering team members in new product introductions (NPI) by developing and iterating on board and box-level assembly processes.
• Identify and implement Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis for PCB-related company products.
• Provide inputs to manufacturing plans and operation strategy.
• Develop trainings and standards for the production technician and engineering teams to work with implemented equipment.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in a manufacturing/mechanical/material engineering role or production environment.
• Expertise in pallet bonding techniques, surface mount technology equipment, stencil design, solder paste application, reflow soldering, and AOI.
• Hands-on experience with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering, and conformal coating.
• Background working with commercial electronics, including dual-use systems.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• US Citizen (future security clearance may be required).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances.
• Experience with automation, robots, and other Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Proficient in documenting detailed assembly instructions with 3D models, pictures, diagrams, and text.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of Production Systems and Lean Manufacturing elements.
• Knowledge of Environmental, Health, and Safety elements.
• Use of SolidWorks, 2D and 3D modeling software.
• Experience with RF Products, Electromechanical assembly, and test.
• Experience with ISO9001/AS9100 quality management systems elements.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Pay

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is: $183,500—$208,000 USD. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.