# Lead, SMT Process Engineer

**Company:** [Northwood Space](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/northwood-space)
**Location:** Los Angeles, CA, California
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $117k – $175k/yr
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** smt, pcb assembly, solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, mes/mrp, manufacturo, ipc-a-610, j-std-001, esd controls, pcb inspection, pcb rework
**Posted:** 2026-08-06

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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.

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