Director of Engineering (EMS Contract Manufacturing)

Jobot; Beacon Falls (CT); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Relocation assistance

Annual performance bonus

Generous PTO & sick leave

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a hands-on Engineering Operations Leader with strong PCB & SMT experience to drive performance in a fast-paced electronics contract manufacturing environment. This role will lead engineering and operations initiatives focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence, while developing and scaling a high-performing technical team.

You will lead lean initiatives, manage a growing technical team, partner with production and quality, and ensure

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT/PCB)
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams
• Strong Lean Manufacturing / CI background
• Hands-on SMT process experience (pick-and-place, reflow, inspection)
• ITAR eligibility; US citizenship due to ITAR requirements

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and OEE
• Drive process improvements across SMT lines, PCB assembly, and supporting ops
• Implement and sustain Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work)
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and drive corrective actions
• Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime through structured problem-solving
• Oversee engineering activities related to process development and optimization
• Partner with production to resolve complex technical challenges
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and scale to production
• Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics for eng/ops teams
• Collaborate with quality, supply chain, and production leadership

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

SMT processes

Leadership

ITAR compliance

NPI coaching

Tools

IPC certification

Job description

• Drive best practices across SMT processes including soldering, reflow, pick-and-place, inspection, etc.

Job details

Strong engineering leader needed with extensive PCB & SMT experience / Relocation assistance available

Salary: $160,000 - $180,000 per year

A bit about us

We are seeking a hands-on Engineering Operations Leader to drive performance, efficiency, and team development within a fast-paced SMT / PCB manufacturing environment. This role will lead engineering and operations initiatives focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence, while developing and scaling a high-performing technical team.

The ideal candidate brings a strong Lean Manufacturing mindset, deep experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT/PCB), and the ability to drive accountability and measurable results across the organization.

Why join us?

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance
• Annual performance bonus
• Generous PTO & sick leave

Job Details

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Identify and drive process improvements across SMT lines, PCB assembly, and supporting operations
• Implement and sustain Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, standard work, etc.)
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and drive corrective actions
• Reduce scrap, rework, and downtime through structured problem-solving methodologies

Engineering Leadership

• Oversee engineering activities related to process development, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Partner with production to resolve complex technical and process challenges
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and ensure smooth transition into production
• Drive best practices across SMT processes including soldering, reflow, pick-and-place, inspection, etc.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff
• Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for engineering and operations teams
• Identify skill gaps and implement training / development plans

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with quality, supply chain, and production leadership to align operational goals
• Drive collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams to improve execution
• Support customer needs and ensure alignment with delivery and quality expectations

Qualifications

Required

• 7–10+ years of experience in electronics contract manufacturing (SMT / PCB environment required)
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical teams (engineering or maintenance)
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement
• Hands-on experience with SMT processes (pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, etc.)
• Demonstrated success driving operational efficiency, process improvements, and accountability
• ITAR eligibility required; experience working in an ITAR-regulated environment is a strong plus
• Individual must be a US Citizen due to ITAR regulations

Preferred

• IPC certification (IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, etc.)
• Experience with high-mix, low-volume or high-speed production environments
• Exposure to automation, process engineering, or advanced manufacturing technologies

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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