Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA/SMT)

Rocketdyne; Mason (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketdyne is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer for our electronics manufacturing team in Mason, OH. You will own critical PCBA/SMT processes, focusing on vapor phase soldering and advanced assembly techniques to ensure space-grade hardware reliability.

You'll drive automation projects, implement Lean Six Sigma improvements, and lead NPI and technology introductions with cross-functional teams to meet stringent aerospace standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years hands-on electronics manufacturing (PCBA/SMT).
• Master's degree with minimum 4 years related experience.
• Experience with SMT: reflow, wave, or vapor phase soldering.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for vapor phase soldering and PCBA/SMT processes.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to meet aerospace standards.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement root cause corrective actions.
• Ensure manufacturability considerations are integrated from concept to production.

Skills

SMT processes

Troubleshooting

DFM principles

Lean Six Sigma

Team collaboration

U.S. Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Master's degree (optional)

Tools

J-STD-001

PLM (Teamcenter)

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA/SMT)

Job Location: Mason, OH

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description

We're seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our electronics manufacturing team and own critical PCBA/SMT processes that directly impact mission success. You'll be the technical expert for vapor phase soldering and other advanced electronics assembly processes, ensuring the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of space-grade hardware.

This is a high-impact role where your decisions affect hardware that operates in the harshest environment imaginable: space. You'll work with a highly skilled team of engineers and technicians, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and lead the introduction of cutting-edge automation and AI-enabled manufacturing technologies.

Why this role matters: The success of our space missions depends on the quality and reliability of the electronics you produce. If you thrive on solving complex technical problems, love hands‑on engineering, and want to see your work launch into space, this is your opportunity.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the technical authority for vapor phase soldering and other PCBA/SMT processes (AOI, SPI, Selective Solder)
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet stringent aerospace quality standards (J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739)
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement root cause corrective actions
• Ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) principles are integrated from concept through production

Drive New Technology Introduction

• Lead automation projects to improve efficiency and reduce labor-intensive manual processes
• Evaluate and implement AI-enabled process improvements (e.g., automated inspection, predictive maintenance)
• Collaborate with equipment vendors to integrate new manufacturing capabilities
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

Enable Cross-Functional Success

• Partner with design engineers, quality, production, and supply chain to resolve manufacturing challenges
• Interface with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure seamless communication and execution
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation (work instructions, process specifications, training materials)
• Train and mentor production technicians on advanced assembly techniques

Support Mission-Critical Programs

• Ensure on-time delivery of space-grade electronics for spacecraft and launch vehicle avionics.
• Participate in design reviews and provide manufacturing feasibility assessments
• Support new product introduction (NPI) from prototype through full-rate production
• Maintain compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of hands‑on experience in electronics manufacturing (PCBA/SMT processes)
• OR Master's degree with minimum 4 years of prior related experience.
• Demonstrated experience with SMT processes: reflow soldering, wave soldering, or vapor phase soldering
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a bias toward action - you don't stop at the first roadblock
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - you can explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also driving independent initiatives
• U.S. Citizenship

Preferred Additional Skills

• Working knowledge of the J-STD (J-STD-001)
• Experience with new product introduction (NPI) or new technology introduction
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience with automation, robotics, or AI-enabled manufacturing processes
• Proficiency with PLM systems (Teamcenter, or similar)
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing
• Comfort presenting technical information to leadership and cross-functional teams