Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA/SMT)

Rocketdyne; Ohio; On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketdyne in Mason, OH is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer focused on electronics manufacturing (PCBA/SMT) to own critical processes, from vapor phase soldering to automated inspection, ensuring space-grade quality and manufacturability.

You will drive continuous improvement, lead automation and AI-enabled manufacturing initiatives, collaborate with design, quality, and supply chain, and support NPI from prototype through full-rate production in a high-reliability aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of hands-on electronics manufacturing experience (PCBA/SMT).
• Master's degree with at least 4 years related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for PCBA/SMT processes (AOI, SPI, Selective Solder).
• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes per aerospace quality standards (J-STD-001, NASA-STD-8739).
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement root cause corrective actions.
• 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 via Lean/Six Sigma.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent initiative

Leadership/presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering

Master's degree

Tools

PLM systems (Teamcenter)

Job description

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Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA/SMT)

SPACE PM Full Time Regular MFG Engineering Mason, OH, US

15 days ago Requisition ID: 1143

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

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
• 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)
• ORMaster'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

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