Process Engineer; 2nd Shift

Position: Process Engineer (2nd Shift)
Job Title:

Process Engineer - 2nd Shift (SMT/PCBA)

Job Description

This role focuses on creating, optimizing, and maintaining SMT and PCBA process lines for high‑reliability products in the aerospace and defense sector. The Process Engineer will develop and refine reflow profiles, support the SMT line, and act as the subject matter expert for assigned lines. This position is ideal for an experienced process engineer who enjoys hands-on work in a smaller, collaborative environment and is passionate about continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

+ Create, optimize, and maintain SMT and PCBA process lines to support high‑reliability aerospace and defense products.

+ Develop, implement, and refine reflow profiles to ensure consistent solder quality and process stability.

+ Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned SMT and PCBA lines, providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support.

+ Support SMT operations, including programming and optimizing pick‑and‑place equipment for both production and prototype builds.

+ Lead and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring smooth transition from prototype to full production.

+ Oversee and support first article builds, including documentation, verification, and process adjustments as needed.

+ Drive process improvements focused on yield, quality, throughput, and cost reduction across PCBA operations.

+ Analyze and improve through-hole and surface-mount processes, including soldering, inspection, and related operations.

+ Utilize tools such as ECD or similar measurement devices to validate and fine‑tune reflow profiles and thermal processes.

+ Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering, to resolve issues and implement best practices.

+ Support tooling modifications and enhancements to improve manufacturability and process robustness.

+ Document process parameters, work instructions, and best practices to ensure repeatability and compliance.

+ Provide on-the-floor engineering support during 2nd shift to quickly address process issues and minimize downtime.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering focused on SMT and PCBA manufacturing.

+ Strong PCBA experience from a process engineering and process improvement standpoint.

+ Hands-on experience developing and optimizing reflow profiles for SMT processes.

+ Proficiency with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines and related support tools.

+ Experience supporting first article builds and prototype runs in a production environment.

+ Knowledge of NPI processes and the transition from prototype to full-scale production.

+

Experience with through-hole (thru hole) assembly processes.

+ Familiarity with using ECD or similar tools for thermal profiling and process validation.

+ Eligibility to work in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working in a contract manufacturing (CM) environment.

+ Background in tooling modification to support process improvements and manufacturability.

+

Experience with high-reliability products, particularly in aerospace and defense applications.

+ Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.

+ Ability to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams and production staff.

+ Comfort working as the primary technical owner and SME for assigned process lines.

Work Environment

This is a 2nd shift onsite role, scheduled Monday through Friday from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with some flexibility of about an hour on start time. The position is based in a manufacturing environment that operates SMT and PCBA lines for high-reliability aerospace and defense products. Engineering roles do not receive a shift differential, as they are not classified as direct labor.

The organization offers a smaller, close-knit environment where employees can have a direct impact and avoid the feeling of being a small part of a large, impersonal operation. Benefits include a comprehensive package with a fully paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers out-of-pocket maximums, supporting a stable and…