Principal Manufacturing Engineer

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Location:

Cypress, CA, US, 90630

Job

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS’sElectro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business,we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Business Unit: EOIS

Location:

Cypress, CA
Career

Functional Area:

Production Operations
Relocation Available:
Yes
Type:
Exempt Full-time

Schedule:

9/80
Shift: 1st

Principal Manufacturing Engineer responsible for developing and sustaining hands-on microelectronics assembly processes in a cleanroom production environment. This is a working engineering role: the engineer will build parts, integrate and troubleshoot equipment, and support production at the bench. A key assignment is learning, executing, documenting, and improving the site’s precision focal plane array (FPA) mounting process using a custom manual alignment machine for micron-level alignment.

• Develop, qualify, document, and sustain precision microelectronics assembly processes; personally perform builds and process trials in the cleanroom to establish repeatable methods, controls, and acceptance criteria.
• Learn and execute the site’s FPA mounting process on a custom manual alignment machine; align delicate assemblies to micron-level requirements, verify results using appropriate metrology, and improve setup, fixturing, and work instructions.
• Integrate, set up, and validate manufacturing equipment, tooling, and inspection methods; partner with technicians, engineering, quality, and facilities to make new or modified equipment production-ready.
• Provide real-time production support at the point of use: troubleshoot assembly and alignment issues, investigate defects and yield loss, implement corrective actions, and train operators on stable, documented processes.
• Work directly in the cleanroom while following gowning, contamination-control, ESD, safety, and material-handling practices; build and handle sensitive hardware with care and maintain accurate build and process records.
• Lead cross-functional process-development efforts, including manufacturability reviews, build plans, work instructions, test and inspection requirements, process changes, and transition from engineering builds to repeatable production. Act independently on complex assignments and communicate technical risks and progress to stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field with 8+ years progressively complex engineering experience or equivalent combination of education/training and experience
• Hands-on experience assembling complex microelectronics in a cleanroom manufacturing environment; comfortable personally building, inspecting, and troubleshooting delicate, high-precision parts rather than only directing others.
• Demonstrated experience developing and improving precision assembly and alignment processes, including hands-on use of fixtures, manual positioning or alignment tools, microscopes, and dimensional or optical metrology.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, equipment integration or qualification, and sustaining production support, with the ability to translate hands-on learning into clear work instructions and process controls.
• Working knowledge of cleanroom gowning, contamination control, ESD‑safe handling, and traceable manufacturing documentation; willing and able to work…