Manufacturing Engineer IV

Benchmark; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 113,934 - 142,418; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Bonus Plan

Job summary

Benchmark in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Technical Manufacturing Liaison to support production of high-quality electronic products. The ideal candidate will have 20+ years of aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing experience and be proficient in IPC standards.

The position supports system integration and ensures documentation compliance, offering a dynamic work environment with a focus on career growth.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing.
• Proficiency with cable assemblies and wire harness fabrication.
• Experience in engineering or operations leadership role required.

Responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing engineering support for electronic box-build assemblies.
• Lead troubleshooting for production and supplier issues.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation.

Skills

Hands-on experience in aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing

Knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards

Excellent communication skills

Troubleshooting solder and connector defects

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

MS in Engineering field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Lean Green Belt certification

Job description

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You’ll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.

Summary: Provides technical manufacturing liaison required for the production of high quality products from the design phase through all phases of production. Liaison between the Program Design, Procurement, Assembly, and Quality Departments to promote an efficient and well-organized manufacturing operation. A prior background within an EMS/CM strongly preferred.

Target Profile

20+ years of experience in aerospace and defense electronics manufacturing, with hands‑on expertise in electronic box‑build assemblies, cable/wire harness fabrication, and working knowledge of IPC‑A‑610, J‑STD‑001, and IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 standards.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing engineering support for electronic box‑build assemblies, including integration of PWAs, cable/harness assemblies, and chassis hardware into final products.
• Support production activities including system integration, wiring installation, cable routing, and final assembly operations.
• Develop cable and wire harness manufacturing processes covering stripping, crimping, soldering, shielding, connector termination, and continuity verification.
• Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for production and supplier issues involving solder defects, connector damage, cable/harness failures, PWA defects, conformal coating, and out-of-spec machined parts.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including assembly instructions, rework procedures, and process specs.
• Ensure all assemblies comply with applicable IPC workmanship standards and internal requirements.

Additional Qualifications

• Hands‑on background in aerospace and defense box‑build production environments.
• Proficiency with cable assemblies, wire harness fabrication, connector systems, and PWB/PWBA processes.
• Solid understanding of IPC‑A‑610, J‑STD‑001, and IPC/WHMA‑A‑620 standards.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot solder, connector, harness, and conformal coating defects.
• Familiarity with electro‑mechanical assembly in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Other Candidate Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills.
• Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required.
• Effective organization and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrates high attention to detail and strong ability to work with diverse groups.
• Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools.
• Strong customer service and client focus.
• Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and Team's conferencing software.
• Lean Green Belt certification.
• 15+ years product engineering experience.
• 5 years’ experience in an engineering or operations leadership role.
• 3 years in an engineering leadership or SME role.
• 3 years of experience in ISO compliance.
• Conducts research requiring a high level of expertise and knowledge of precision machining, materials and supporting processes.
• Devises new techniques, approaches and solutions to a wide range of technical challenges through experience and consulting with engineering specialists for technologies where there is not in-depth expertise.
• Makes independent decisions based on available data, selection of materials, and required parameters.
• Evaluates plans and criteria for technical activities and recommends alternative solutions to comply with customer and Company obligations.
• May lead projects or segments of major projects responsible for achievement of schedule, fiscal and technical performance objectives.
• Develops new techniques as a result of independent research study; development and evaluation of plans and procedures; theoretical computations and analysis; design and development of equipment with complex features; testing of procedures, equipment, materials; makes extensive contributions to proposal efforts; responsibility for the conduct and performance of assignments.
• Reviews and coordinates work of subordinates to ensure progress to schedule; interprets and directs the preparation of data for reports on technical findings, recommendations, accomplishments, and progress measured against specific plans.
• Attends conferences and meetings to represent assigned job responsibility activity.
• Maintains knowledge in area of specialization. Is cognizant of developments in the related fields.
• May publish in scientific or professional journals or represent organization in professional societies.
• May be involved with hazardous waste oversight and compliance depending on the division’s certifications and environmental responsibilities.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Engineering; MS in Engineering field preferred.

Location & Schedule

Geographic Location: California: Santa Ana

Physical Location: Santa Ana, CA

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: M–Th 0500–1530

Full Time

Compensation

Compensation Range: $113,934.00 to $142,418.00 USD. Many factors are considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, certifications, licensures, experience, training, incumbent data, and other business needs.

Benefits

Benchmark provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a Bonus Plan, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, all based on scheduled hours. Benchmark complies with applicable state and local employee leave laws.

Application Deadline

This job posting will remain open until filled.

Legal & EEO Information

Export Control: This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. Employment may be contingent on verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a “U.S. Person” or on the Company timely obtaining any necessary export license required under federal laws. The Company evaluates such license situations on a case‑by‑case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion.

Benchmark is an equal opportunity employer. We bring together a dynamic workforce with unique talents, life experiences, cultures, and perspectives to promote an innovative, collaborative, and creative place to work. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [e-mail].