# Lead SMT Process Engineer
**Company:** [Northwood Space](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/northwood-space)
**Location:** Los Angeles, CA, California
**Salary:** $100K-$175K
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** Smt, Pcb Assembly, Pick-And-Place, Reflow Soldering, Solder Paste Printing, DFM, Dft, Esd Controls, Ipc-A-610, J-Std-001, Mes, Mrp, Root Cause Analysis, Yield Improvement, Inspection Tools
**Posted:** 2026-04-02
> Leads development and scaling of in-house SMT and PCB assembly processes, including equipment setup, standards definition, and team building. Requires 6+ years in electronics manufacturing, Bachelor's in engineering, and expertise in DFM/DFT for high-reliability space tech production.
## 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 how PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking integrate 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 considerations
- Specify, source, and implement equipment and infrastructure required for PCB assembly, including SMT line equipment, inspection tools, rework tools, ESD/anti-static controls, benches, tooling, fixtures, 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
- Create process documentation including work instructions, process flows, training materials, control plans, and acceptance criteria
- Define quality standards and inspection methodologies for assembled boards
- Partner with Electrical Engineers to drive DFM/DFT for PCBAs, improving manufacturability, yield, reliability, and testability
- Identify and resolve process issues, yield losses, and quality escapes through structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement
- Build and lead the PCB assembly organization, including hiring and developing manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and technicians
- Establish training systems and production readiness standards for PCB assembly operators and technicians
- Drive ramp readiness for new products and ongoing improvements for cost, throughput, and quality

## Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or 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
- Experience creating manufacturing documentation, standards, and process controls
- Experience working cross-functionally with design engineering on DFM for electronics assemblies
- Strong understanding of ESD controls, electronics manufacturing quality requirements, and operator workflow design

## Preferred Qualifications
- 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
- Experience hiring, training, and leading technicians, supervisors, and manufacturing engineers
- Strong problem-solving skills with experience in yield improvement, defect reduction, and root cause analysis
**Apply:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/lead-smt-process-engineer-at-northwood-space-57a17af2-522e-4b5b-96fb-4ae4d70e20d1
**Canonical:** https://hotfix.jobs/jobs/lead-smt-process-engineer-at-northwood-space-57a17af2-522e-4b5b-96fb-4ae4d70e20d1