Microelectronics Manufacturing and Process Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 237,500; Full time

Job summary

Draper is seeking a highly skilled Packaging Process Engineer in Cambridge, MA to lead advanced microelectronics assembly in an ISO Class 7 cleanroom environment. You will oversee cleanroom operations, implement strict quality controls, and drive manufacturing excellence for complex packaging including QFP, TSOP, and advanced modules.

The role requires 10–15 years in Product Engineering, deep familiarity with MIL standards, DOE/SPC/FMEA experience, and the ability to train technicians while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10–15 years of experience in Product Engineering or related field.
• Ability to obtain government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Use CAD programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems and adapt to changing requirements.
• Serve as SME in Product Engineering.
• Provide design/process improvement insights from data.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Curiosity-driven problem solving

Collaborate with multi-disciplinary

Team player in fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit draper.com.

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Packaging Process Engineer to lead advanced microelectronics assembly in an ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) Cleanroom environment.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Lead cleanroom assemblers while ensuring compliance with strict quality standards (MIL‑PRF‑38534, MIL‑PRF‑38535 and MIL‑STD‑883).
• Experience with advanced processes such as wire bonding (gold & aluminum), die attach (epoxy, eutectic solder), and lid sealing (solder, seam welding, projection welding).
• Familiarization and programming of advanced equipment, including die bonders, wire bonders, and seam welders.
• Assemble custom packaging, including ceramic LCCs, flatpacks, CQFP, TSOP, ASICs, and multichip modules.
• Train and certify new employees in cleanroom processes.
• Capable of conducting and training technicians to QML Q and V level inspections on microelectronics using microscopes.

Required Skills and Experience

• Package handling and development experience with QFP, TQFP, SOP, TSOP, QFN, Flip Chip, Cu pillar FC, BGA, CSP, FAN‑OUT WAFER LEVEL PACKAGING, 2.5DIC, 3DIC (helpful but not required).
• Ability to work in full cleanroom gowning attire (ESD smock, gloves, hair and shoe coverings). ESD awareness to ANSI/ESD S20.20 requirements.
• DOE, SPC, FMEA implementation experience required; 6S Green or black belt a plus.

The Principal Product Engineer develops novel solutions to customer‑driven problems including ruggedized miniature electro‑mechanical systems, systems for harsh environments (e.g., high‑g, high temperature, high vibration), dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems. The product engineering and manufacturing support team helps turn these cutting‑edge designs into fielded hardware for our end customers.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems—develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Product Engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identify program / system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.

Skills / Abilities

• Curiosity‑driven approach to solving complex, customer‑driven problems as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi‑disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non‑technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or another relevant field.

Experience

10–15 years of experience in Product Engineering or a related field.

Security Clearance

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Job Location

City: Cambridge
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02139‑3563

Salary Range

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 – $237,500.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges are in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].