About the RoleApex is seeking a PCBA Manufacturing Development Engineer to develop, implement, and scale manufacturing processes for high-reliability spacecraft electronics.
This engineer will own process development for printed circuit board assemblies, supporting hardware from initial prototypes through production ramp. You'll work closely with avionics engineering, manufacturing technicians, quality, and suppliers to establish robust assembly processes, improve production yield, and ensure consistent hardware quality.
The ideal candidate has deep technical knowledge of PCBA manufacturing, hands-on experience with SMT processes, and a track record of solving complex electronics manufacturing challenges.
Responsibilities:- Develop, implement, and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes for spacecraft avionics and electronic hardware.
- Own manufacturing process development from prototype builds through qualification and production ramp.
- Establish and improve SMT assembly processes, including solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection.
- Develop manufacturing processes for through-hole assembly, selective soldering, hand soldering, and rework.
- Define manufacturing requirements, process parameters, inspection criteria, and workmanship standards.
- Partner with avionics design engineering to identify and resolve design-for-manufacturability and design-for-assembly challenges.
- Support equipment selection, tooling development, production line configuration, and manufacturing readiness.
- Investigate and resolve PCBA defects, including solder joint failures, component damage, contamination, and assembly-related issues.
- Develop process controls and validation methods to improve first-pass yield, repeatability, and production throughput.
- Collaborate with quality engineering to drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous process improvements.
- Support board-level inspection and test processes, including AOI, X-ray inspection, ICT, and functional testing.
- Work with external manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure process consistency, quality, and production readiness.
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 4+ years of experience in PCBA manufacturing engineering, electronics manufacturing, or SMT process development.
- Hands-on experience with SMT assembly processes, soldering, reflow profiling, and PCBA inspection.
- Understanding of PCB fabrication, component packaging, solder joint reliability, and electronics assembly requirements.
- Experience troubleshooting PCBA manufacturing defects and implementing corrective actions.
- Familiarity with IPC workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001.
- Experience developing manufacturing documentation, process instructions, and production controls.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience manufacturing high-reliability electronics for aerospace, defense, medical devices, or automotive applications.
- Familiarity with IPC Class 3 workmanship requirements.
- Experience with BGA, QFN, fine-pitch components, and complex multilayer PCBAs.
- Knowledge of automated optical inspection, X-ray inspection, and solder paste inspection systems.
- Experience with conformal coating, staking, underfill, and electronics environmental protection processes.
- Familiarity with NASA or aerospace electronics workmanship requirements.
- Experience developing or scaling in-house PCBA manufacturing lines.
- Understanding of electronics reliability testing, thermal cycling, vibration testing, and failure analysis.
Additional Information:Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.
ITAR RequirementsApex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. a7 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here.
