Lead SMT Process Engineer - Build & Scale PCB Assembly

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Comprehensive medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Flexible time off

10+ paid holidays per year

Retirement savings plans

Professional development

Job summary

Northwood is seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale our in‑house PCB assembly capability. You will lead development from prototype through production, define standards, and work with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply‑Chain, and Production to ensure robust, scalable electronics manufacturing.

This hands‑on leadership role sits at the intersection of process development, factory build‑out, equipment selection, and team building, delivering a tightly integrated PCB

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in PCB assembly, SMT process engineering, electronics manufacturing, or related manufacturing roles.
• Experience developing and scaling SMT or PCB assembly processes in a production environment.
• Experience with PCB assembly equipment, inspection methods, and rework processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the in‑house SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process from prototype through production.
• Define process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship.
• Establish how PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking integrate with Manufacturo and broader manufacturing systems.
• Lead the design and build‑out of the PCB assembly area, including layout, material flow, operator flow, and future production scaling considerations.
• Specify, source, and implement equipment and infrastructure required for PCB assembly, including SMT line equipment, inspection tools, rework tools, ESD/anti‑static controls, benches, tooling, fixtures, and storage, and Power, cooling, compressed air, and other facility needs.
• Develop manufacturing processes for solder paste printing, pick‑and‑place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair

Skills

PCB assembly

SMT process engineering

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Equipment selection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Tools

Manufacturo MES/MRP integration

PCB assembly equipment

Job description

Northwood is seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale our in‑house PCB assembly capability. You will lead development from prototype through production, define standards, and work with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply‑Chain, and Production to ensure robust, scalable electronics manufacturing.

This hands‑on leadership role sits at the intersection of process development, factory build‑out, equipment selection, and team building, delivering a tightly integrated PCB