Mid-level PCB Engineer

Battelle UK Limited; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Hybrid work model (60% in‑office, 40%

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Wellness incentives

Family formation support

401(k) retirement savings plan with 5%

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Battelle in Columbus, OH is seeking a Mid-level PCB Engineer to own SMT process development, optimization, and production for high‑quality electronic assemblies. You will oversee equipment and ensure IPC‑A‑610 compliant quality while partnering with design, production, and quality teams.

The role emphasizes hands‑on SMT experience, strong troubleshooting, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Security clearance is advised.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on PCB/CCA manufacturing and assembly experience.
• Strong background in SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience applying SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting power module production and manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards.

Responsibilities

• Process Development and Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste application, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering, AOI, and X‑ray inspection.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality teams to ensure products meet IPC standards such as IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, and perform root cause analysis for defects or customer returns.
• Equipment and Maintenance: Oversee SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick‑and‑place machines, reflow ovens, and AOI/X‑ray systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal throughput.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with production, design, and engineering teams to translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or SPC methods to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• PCB Fabrication: Support prototype PCB fabrication through process development and customer interactions.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Quality assurance IPC

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Screen printers

Pick‑and‑place machines

Reflow ovens

AOI

X‑ray inspection

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi‑national corporation, a small start‑up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Our Cyber Business Unit’s Advanced Microsystem Solutions portfolio is seeking a Mid‑level PCB Engineer to work from our Columbus, OH offices.

As a PCB Engineer, you will support SMT process development, optimization, and production for high‑quality electronic assemblies. This role focuses on SMT process ownership, equipment oversight, IPC‑compliant quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives, while collaborating closely with design, production, and quality teams. Ideal candidates bring hands‑on SMT experience, strong troubleshooting skills, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Maintain deep expertise in at least two electronic assembly processes, including, but not limited to: wave soldering, selective soldering, conformal coating, PCB panel singulation, SMT solder printing, SMT pick‑and‑place, SMT reflow, AOI, equipment maintenance & troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Process Development and Optimization: Design, implement, and maintain SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste application, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering, AOI, and X‑ray inspection.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with quality teams to ensure products meet IPC standards such as IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, and perform root cause analysis for defects or customer returns.
• Equipment and Maintenance: Oversee SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick‑and‑place machines, reflow ovens, and AOI/X‑ray systems, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal throughput.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with production, design, and engineering teams to translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or SPC methods to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• PCB Fabrication: Support prototype PCB fabrication through process development and customer interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience. Hands‑on PCB/CCA manufacturing and assembly experience.
• Strong background in SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience applying SMT manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting power module production and manufacturing operations.
  • SMT assembly
  • Reflow/solder profiling
  • Post‑SMT processes
  • Conformal coating
• Knowledge of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards.
  • AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
  • Pick‑and‑place equipment
  • SMT programming and optimization
• Strong root‑cause analysis capabilities using:
  • 5 Whys
  • Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams
  • Process improvement methodologies
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance

Additional Qualifications

• Hands on experience as an SMT Engineer or SMT Manufacturing Engineer is preferred.
• Prior experience in DFM/DFA evaluations and New Product Introduction (NPI) is a plus.
• Universal pick and place experience is a plus.
• LPKF laser‑based prototyping equipment experience is a plus.
• The ideal candidate will have experience with soldering, de‑soldering, inspection, and rework of electronic components using industry‑standard equipment and practices.
• Holds an active Top Secret security clearance.

Benefits

• Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off, giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.
• Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

Company Culture

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects.
• Receive selective funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery.
• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment.
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.
• Give back to and improve our communities.

Safety & Vaccination Policies

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Equal Opportunity Employment

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers