
Senior Manufacturing Engineer (PCBA/SMT)
- Boston, MA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Drive PCBA/SMT manufacturing readiness through collaborative process development, documentation, optimization, and validation for new product introductions.
- Tactically manage factory teams and partners to design/develop, qualify, and implement SMT and PCBA fixtures, tooling (stencils), and automation (underfill, routing, AOI) using data-driven decision making.
- Execute DFX principles during all phases of product development and mass production to optimize manufacturability, yield, and cost.
- Ensure process control and verification to meet all product specifications for electrical and mechanical performance.
- Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, cycle time, and cost.
- Define and conduct Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Analysis (FA), and structured problem-solving (DMAIC, 8D) to resolve manufacturing issues and implement corrective actions.
- Lead cross-functional efforts on rapid development cycles while evaluating options for optimal form, fit, function, and manufacturability of PCBAs.
- Provide clear project tracking, status updates, and risk mitigation reporting to stakeholders.
- Plan and coordinate parallel path strategies to address high-risk project milestones.
- Support vendor management, including technical guidance for contract manufacturers (CM) and joint development manufacturers (JDM).
- Willingness to travel up to 25% to domestic and international manufacturing locations.
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of PCBA/SMT manufacturing experience, preferably in moderate to high-volume consumer electronics.
- Strong expertise with SMT processes including stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow soldering, AOI/X-ray inspection, and manual/automated rework.
- Solid understanding of PCBA assembly challenges and miniaturization, spacing, solder joint quality, and common defect modes (e.g., tombstoning, solder voids, open circuits).
- Knowledge of DFM/DFT/DFX for PCB layouts and assembly processes.
- Hands-on experience qualifying and troubleshooting manufacturing processes and equipment on the factory floor.
- Familiarity with IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610) and GD&T principles for mechanical integration of PCBAs.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software for fixture and tooling design.
- Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams, including external CM/JDM partners.
- Experience with ultrasonic welding, adhesives, and mechanical assembly is a plus (for products integrating electronics into enclosures).