Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing engineering, or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in printed circuit board processing or related discipline
  • Familiarity with IPC 6012 and IPC 6013 standards
  • Ability to build relationships across all levels of staff and management
  • Proficient in leading technical teams to solve complex problems
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical direction for PCB fabrication and align with the Lab's Technology Roadmap
  • Identify and maintain capital equipment for technical excellence
  • Oversee key technical tasks and ensure timely product completion
  • Ensure adherence to technical excellence and quality standards
  • Collaborate with suppliers for troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Engage in hands-on fabrication and process improvement
  • Perform specific fabrication tasks, including mSAP development and plating processes

Benefits

  • Opportunities for intellectual curiosity, creativity, and professional growth
  • Supportive team climate focused on collaboration and respect
  • Potential for career development and mentorship
  • Involvement with national security and space exploration projects
  • Engagement in new business activities and proposal writing
Full Job Description
Description

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.

As a Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing, you will:

  • 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 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 identify emerging opportunities and challenges review and supervise technical tasks and ensure timely completion of product.


  • 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, soldermask 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.


As a team, we will:

  • 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 the potential sponsors.


Special Working Conditions:

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

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • 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 6012, and IPC 6013 standards is required.


  • Proven ability to establish relationships and effectively interact with all levels of staff and management, as well as with internal and external customers.


  • Ability to effectively lead a team of technical staff in solving complex problems.


  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


  • Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team of professional and support staff, solving complex problems.


  • Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.


You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Hold an Advanced degree in electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering or similar scientific or engineering discipline.


  • Possess 10+ years of previous experience in PCB industry, with significant hands-on experience in fabrication.


  • Have experience with High Density Interconnect (HDI) fabrication.


  • Have experience with facility and equipment specifications review, implementing capital purchase through commissioning and operational verification.


Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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