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Northwood SpaceNorthwood SpaceLos Angeles, CA

Lead, SMT Process Engineer

Leads the development and scale-up of an in-house SMT and PCB assembly capability, including process standards, equipment selection, facility buildout, manufacturing systems integration, and team development. Requires a bachelor's degree and 6+ years of electronics manufacturing or SMT process engineering experience.

117k – 175k/yr
On-site6+ YOEHardware Engineering

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Develop and own the in-house SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process from prototype through production.
  • Define process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship.
  • Establish integration of PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking with Manufacturo and broader manufacturing systems.
  • Lead the design and buildout of the PCB assembly area, including layout, material flow, operator flow, and future production scaling.
  • Specify, source, and implement PCB assembly equipment and infrastructure, including:
    • SMT line equipment
    • Inspection tools
    • Rework tools
    • ESD/anti-static controls
    • Benches, tooling, fixtures, and storage
    • Power, cooling, compressed air, and other facility needs
  • Develop manufacturing processes for solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in PCB assembly, SMT process engineering, electronics manufacturing, or related manufacturing roles.
  • Experience developing and scaling SMT or PCB assembly processes in a production environment.
  • Experience with PCB assembly equipment, inspection methods, and rework processes.

Nice-to-haves

  • Experience standing up a new PCB assembly line or manufacturing area from scratch.
  • Experience selecting and implementing SMT production equipment and supporting infrastructure.
  • Experience integrating manufacturing processes with MES/MRP systems such as Manufacturo.
  • Familiarity with IPC standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and related electronics manufacturing requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary is determined based on role, level, location, market data, job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise.
  • Long-term incentives, including company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses.
  • Equity.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Flexible time off.
  • 10 or more paid holidays per year.
  • Retirement savings plans.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Skills

smtpcb assemblysolder paste printingpick-and-placereflowmes/mrpmanufacturoipc-a-610j-std-001esd controlspcb inspectionpcb rework
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