Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

Description

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy environment? Are you passionate about building and growing a highly skilled team? Are you passionate about contributing to Space Exploration and National Security projects and missions? Would you like join a team that shares knowledge, encourages learning, creativity and career growth? If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing to be a technical leader in the Printed Circuit Board Fabrication Section, a part of the Advanced Electrical Fabrication Group. This is an outstanding opportunity to apply your passion for electronics fabrication toward sophisticated prototypes and one-of-a-kind systems, that advance the scientific knowledge of humankind, safeguard our nation's security, and contribute to the exploration and research in space.

In this role, you will facilitate the fabrication and technology development of printed circuit boards, flex substrates, and rigid flex, used to solve bold problems whose solutions have an important bearing on national security, military readiness, space exploration, national health, and the advancement of fundamental science or engineering. We work as a tight-knit team of professional and technical support staff to fabricate printed circuit boards in a low-volume, high-mix environment to meet wide-ranging requirements from quick-turn prototypes to space‑flight certified electronics.

• Provide technical direction for the future of printed circuit board fabrication, working closely with the Group's Chief Engineer and the section supervisor to ensure the Section's long-term vision aligns with the Lab's foreseen Technology Roadmap.
• Identify capital equipment and develop staff to maintain technical excellence.
• Participate in key technical efforts to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, review and supervise technical tasks, and ensure timely completion of products.
• Ensure the highest standards of technical excellence and quality are met on every project.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers on troubleshooting and maintenance, and engage internal Lab facilities management, engineers, and support to maintain operations.
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in fabrication activities as required to develop, troubleshoot, qualify, and improve manufacturing processes.
• Perform fabrication tasks including, but not limited to, mSAP development, various plating processes, lamination, chemical etching, solder mask and silkscreen application, via fill, operation of CNC drilling/routing equipment, and laser via processing.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained in operational working order. Complete maintenance as able.

• Establish and promote a climate conducive to intellectual curiosity, creativity, innovation, collaboration, growth, productivity, and respect for others.
• Develop and control fabrication schedules and cost estimates.
• Lead and mentor staff. Recruit, develop, and retain a staff with outstanding technical capabilities. Provide professional development mentorship. Ensure assignment of work to staff is consistent with staff development and project needs.
• Communicate often and effectively with staff and customers.
• Support new business activities to expand the scope of the programs within the Research and Exploratory Development Business Area and explore related opportunities in relevant business areas. Support sponsor engagement and concept development. Assist or lead activities to acquire new work for the Group, which may include proposal writing and meetings with potential sponsors.

• Job involves the use of chemistries and maintenance of equipment which could involve lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in printed circuit board processing, equipment, chemistries or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with industry specifications for rigid and rigid-flex circuits, IPC…