Electronics Manufacturing Engineer (PCB/SMT)

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options (60% in-office, 40

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off and flexible compressed

Job summary

Battelle’s Advanced Microsystem Solutions group seeks an Electronics Manufacturing Engineer (PCB/SMT) to advance SMT process development and production in Columbus, OH. You will own SMT processes, oversee equipment, ensure IPC-compliant quality, and drive continuous improvement with design, production, and quality teams.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on SMT experience, strong troubleshooting, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality, with potential DoD Top

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Hands-on PCB/CCA manufacturing and assembly experience.
• Experience applying SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting high-mix/low-volume electronic assembly and manufacturing operations (SMT assembly, Reflow/solder profiling, Post-SMT processes, Conformal coating)
• Knowledge of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards and related inspections (AOI, visual inspection).
• Strong root-cause analysis capabilities (5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Willingness to obtain DoD Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain SMT processes (stencil design, solder paste application, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, X-ray inspection).
• Ensure IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) and perform root cause analyses for defects or returns.
• Oversee SMT equipment including screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI/X-ray systems; monitor uptime and throughput.
• Collaborate with production, design, and engineering to translate build requirements into efficient production setups.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or SPC methods to boost efficiency, yield, and quality.
• Support prototype PCB fabrication through process development and customer interactions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

AOI/X-ray inspection

Reflow soldering

Solder paste application

SMT equipment maintenance

P&P machines (universal pick & place)

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle’s Advanced Microsystem Solutions portfolio is seeking an Electronics Manufacturing Engineer (PCB/SMT) to work from our Columbus, OH offices.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will support SMT process development, optimization, and production for high-quality electronic assemblies. This role focuses on SMT process ownership, equipment oversight, IPC-compliant quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives, while collaborating closely with design, production, and quality teams. Ideal candidates bring hands‑on SMT experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Responsibilities

Maintain deep expertise in at least two electronic assembly processes, including but not limited to: Selective soldering, Conformal coating, PCB panel singulation, SMT solder printing, SMT pick‑and‑place, SMT reflow, AOI, equipment maintenance & troubleshooting.

• Process Development and Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste application, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering, AOI, and X‑ray inspection.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality teams to ensure products meet IPC standards such as IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, and perform root cause analysis for defects or customer returns.
• Equipment and Maintenance: Oversee SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick‑and‑place machines, reflow ovens, and AOI/X‑ray systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal throughput.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with production, design, and engineering teams to translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or SPC methods to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• PCB Fabrication: Support prototype PCB fabrication through process development and customer interactions.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience; years of experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Hands‑on PCB/CCA manufacturing and assembly experience.
• Experience applying SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting high‑mix/low‑volume electronic assembly and manufacturing operations
  • SMT assembly
  • Reflow/solder profiling
  • Post‑SMT processes
  • Conformal coating
• Knowledge of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards
  • AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
  • Visual inspection
  • Through‑hole soldering acceptability
• Strong root‑cause analysis capabilities using:
  • 5 Whys
  • Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams
  • Process improvement methodologies
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands on experience as a SMT Engineer or SMT Manufacturing Engineer is preferred
• Prior experience in DFM/DFA evaluations and New Product Introduction (NPI) is a plus.
• Universal pick and place experience is a plus.
• LPKF laser‑based prototyping equipment experience is a plus.
• The ideal candidate will have experience with soldering, de‑soldering, inspection, and rework of electronic components using industry‑standard equipment and practices.
• Holds an active Top Secret security clearance.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.