Manufacturing Engineer

CHIRP Robotics Corporation; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CHIRP Robotics Corporation in Torrance, CA, is seeking an SMT Manufacturing Engineer to own the PCB production line and drive efficiency as we scale. Start by running a single SMT line with stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow, QA, and rework if needed.

You will grow to oversee multiple lines, lead a team of technicians, and implement end-to-end process improvements. This hands-on role demands reliability, attention to detail, and a passion for modern electronics manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in SMT manufacturing or production.
• Ability to read BOMs, assembly drawings, and PCB documentation.
• U.S. citizen or green card holder required.
• On-site work in Torrance, CA, USA.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run the SMT line, including stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow and additional machines as we grow.
• Develop and adjust process parameters (reflow profiles, print settings, placement programs) for new and existing builds.
• Monitor line performance and respond to defects, alarms, and stoppages.
• Inspect parts using AOI and manual methods to ensure quality standards are met.
• Diagnose and correct common SMT defects (bridging, tombstoning, insufficient wetting, shifted components).
• Maintain documentation such as work instructions, process travelers, and line setup sheets.
• Manage part inventories, including purchasing BOMs and organizing stored parts.
• Track and report yield, throughput, and quality metrics.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe.
• Communicate issues, tooling problems, quality concerns, or process improvements to the team.
• Perform basic maintenance and upkeep on SMT equipment and supporting tools.
• Set up and qualify additional SMT lines and Hire technicians to aid in the manufacturing process

Skills

SMT manufacturing

Line ownership

Process optimization

Quality analysis

AOI/SPI inspection

IPC-A-610 knowledge

Safety compliance

Leadership potential

Reading BOMs

Education

BS in Supply Chain Management

BS in Industrial Engineering

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Stencil printers

Pick-and-place machines

Reflow ovens

AOI systems

Job description

Job Title: SMT Manufacturing Engineer

CHIRP Robotics Corporation

Location: Torrance, CA, USA

Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package

• $75,000 – $125,000 per year –Salary plus Stock Options

CHIRP is looking for a SMT Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of our PCB production line and grow with us as we scale. This is a production environment; you will be the person who owns how the line runs day to day.

This is not a hands-off, purely supervisory role. You will start by learning and running a single SMT line yourself including stencil printing, pick-and-place operation, solder reflow, quality analysis and rework if needed. As we grow, this role will expand to overseeing multiple lines and building out a team of technicians underneath you.

This role is a great fit for someone reliable, hands-on, detail-oriented, and interested in modern electronics manufacturing. Some days may involve basic line setup and troubleshooting, but the broader responsibility is keeping SMT production running smoothly, efficiently, and at high quality as we scale.

The ideal candidate is not just looking to babysit a line and call it a day. We are looking for someone who wants to understand the process end to end, catch problems before they become bigger issues, and help improve how the line and eventually the whole floor operates.

There is plenty of room to grow for someone who wants to do more. As we expand from one line to multiple lines, this role will grow into leading process, quality, and a team of technicians who report to you.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and run the SMT line, including stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow and additional machines as we grow.
• Develop and adjust process parameters (reflow profiles, print settings, placement programs) for new and existing builds
• Monitor line performance and respond to defects, alarms, and stoppages
• Inspect parts using AOI and manual methods to ensure quality standards are met
• Diagnose and correct common SMT defects (bridging, tombstoning, insufficient wetting, shifted components, etc.)
• Maintain documentation such as work instructions, process travelers, and line setup sheets
• Manage part inventories, including purchasing BOMs and organizing stored parts
• Track and report yield, throughput, and quality metrics
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe
• Communicate issues, tooling problems, quality concerns, or process improvements to the team
• Perform basic maintenance and upkeep on SMT equipment and supporting tools
• Set up and qualify additional SMT lines and Hire technicians to aid in the manufacturing process

Qualifications:

• Experience with SMT manufacturing, electronics assembly, or production work
• Working knowledge of SMT equipment such as pick-and-place, stencil printers, reflow ovens, and AOI/SPI systems
• Understanding of ESD, humidity, and proper storage/handling requirements for moisture-sensitive and static-sensitive components
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 standards, or willingness to learn them
• Ability to stay organized while managing a line and multiple priorities
• Comfortable working around machinery and following safety procedures
• Good attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of a production area
• Ability to read BOMs, assembly drawings, and basic PCB documentation
• Leadership experience and willingness to grow with the role

Required Qualifications:

• Must be a U.S citizen of green card holder
• Prior experience: 3 years
• Work on location in Torrance, CA, USA
• Minimum a BS in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Company Overview

CHIRP Robotics is a well-funded seed-stage startup operating in stealth mode and based in Torrance, California. The company aims to become a leading U.S. provider of modular intelligence and autonomous systems for a wide range of vehicles and applications. It has an impressive portfolio of patents on the hardware side and IP in software / algorithms. CHIRP’s CEO, a founding member of SpaceX, brings extensive technical expertise, a strong professional network, and significant business leadership experience.

Why Join Us?

• Hands-on experience with a broad range of engineering and manufacturing challenges
• Collaborative and growth-oriented work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package

If you are a driven and passionate engineer looking to work and grow in a challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you!