Amazon is seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Principal Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development and deployment of electronics manufacturing operations, with a focus on PCBA production and wire harness/cable assembly integration. This is a senior individual contributor role serving as the technical authority responsible for establishing world-class electronics manufacturing processes at production scale.
The ideal candidate will bring 12+ years of progressive experience in electronics manufacturing environments, with deep expertise in SMT assembly, PCBA test, wire harness fabrication, and electronics integration into complex electromechanical systems. This individual must be capable of driving technical execution across cross-functional organizations while operating effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments with demanding schedules.
This role requires a combination of technical authority, influential leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on problem-solving to support Amazon's manufacturing and operational objectives.
Key job responsibilities
Own the end-to-end electronics manufacturing line concept, design, requirements, process flow, equipment specification, automation strategy, facility integration, installation, commissioning, rate demonstration, and handover to operations teams.
Own line requirements including layout, throughput, yield targets, cycle times, headcount, and Capex for both PCBA and wire harness production.
Develop and validate robust manufacturing process parameters for SMT placement, reflow, wave solder, selective solder, conformal coating, wire termination, and cable assembly from prototype through full-rate production.
Oversee detailed design of production systems; develop equipment specifications; identify vendors and manage the RFQ, selection, FAT, and deployment process for pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI/SPI, ICT/FCT, wire processing, and harness assembly equipment.
Lead and manage project scope from concept through production launch. Own the handover process to sustaining teams.
Partner with electrical engineering and product design teams to drive DFM considerations for PCBA layout, component selection, wire routing, connector strategy, and testability that enable production and cost targets.
Drive PFMEA and OEE considerations as far upstream in product development as possible. Optimize for first-pass yield, minimal rework, and test coverage.
Establish and standardize production processes, ESD controls, solder process windows, test strategies, control plans, and operational documentation.
Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving to improve yield, reduce defects, and optimize cost structures.
Lead strategic technical engagement with EMS partners, component suppliers, test equipment vendors, and wire harness manufacturers.
Ensure compliance with IPC standards, ESD protocols, and product safety/regulatory requirements throughout the manufacturing process.
Mentor and develop peers and junior engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and operational discipline.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
12+ years of direct manufacturing engineering experience in electronics production environments (PCBA, wire harness, or electronics integration).
Deep expertise in SMT assembly processes including stencil printing, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection (AOI, SPI, X-ray).
Demonstrated success leading commissioning, startup, and production ramp-up of integrated electronics manufacturing operations.
Strong experience with electronics test strategy development and deployment (ICT, functional test, boundary scan, flying probe).
Experience with wire harness design for manufacturing, cable assembly processes, termination methods, and continuity/hipot testing.
Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).
Proven ability to influence and drive execution across cross-functional teams in complex industrial environments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
IPC certifications (CID, CID+, or IPC-A-610/J-STD-001 expertise).
Experience with flex PCB assembly, rigid-flex integration, or SMT-on-flex processes.
Experience with high-density interconnect (HDI) boards, fine-pitch BGA/QFN assembly, or advanced packaging technologies.
Experience with conformal coating, potting, encapsulation, or electronics protection processes for harsh environments.
Experience supporting multi-site electronics production operations or new facility launches or expansions.
Experience with complex electromechanical systems requiring distributed electronics across multiple interconnected assemblies.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, TX, Austin - 163,400.00 - 221,000.00 USD annually
