Mid-level PCB Engineer (Manufacturing)

Battelle Memorial Institute; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compressed work schedule

Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement savings with company

Job summary

Battelle Memorial Institute is seeking a mid-level PCB Engineer (Manufacturing) to join our Columbus, OH team. The role focuses on developing and optimizing SMT processes, ensuring adherence to IPC standards, and collaborating across production, design, and engineering to deliver high-quality PCB assemblies.

Responsibilities include managing SMT equipment, driving continuous improvement, and supporting prototype PCB fabrication with customer interactions, while maintaining readiness for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience and PCB/CCA manufacturing/assembly experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain SMT processes including stencil design, solder paste application, pick-and-place, reflow soldering, AOI, and X-ray inspection.
• Collaborate with quality teams to ensure IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001) are met and perform root cause analysis for defects.
• Oversee SMT equipment such as screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and AOI/X-ray systems to maximize throughput.
• Translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups in collaboration with production, design, and engineering teams.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or SPC methods to improve efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Support prototype PCB fabrication through process development and customer interactions.

Skills

SMT processes

Root-cause analysis

Lean manufacturing / Six Sigma / SPC

IPC-A-610 knowledge

AOI / X-ray inspection

PCB/CCA manufacturing & assembly

DoD Top Secret clearance (willingness)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SMT equipment

Pick-and-place machines

Reflow ovens

AOI systems

X-ray inspection systems

Job description

Job Summary

Mid-level PCB Engineer (Manufacturing) to work from our Columbus, OH offices.

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.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering with 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience; hands‑on PCB/CCA manufacturing and assembly experience.

• Experience applying SMT manufacturing processes.

• Experience supporting high‑mix/low‑volume 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, and process improvement methodologies.

• Willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience as an SMT Engineer or SMT Manufacturing Engineer.

• Prior experience in DFM/DFA evaluations and New Product Introduction (NPI).

• Universal pick‑and‑place experience.

• LPKF laser‑based prototyping equipment experience.

• 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: Live an Extraordinary Life

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule – most of our team follows a flexible, compressed schedule allowing for a dedicated day off every other Friday.

• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement – 60% in‑office, 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, depending on team and position needs.

• Take time to recharge – paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated.

• Prioritize wellness – medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.

• Better together – coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support.

• Build your financial future – industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan; most employees receive a 5% company match on top of any employee contribution.

• Advance your education – tuition assistance available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering, and business operations, Battelle is the place to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges and create a safer, healthier, and more secure world.

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select 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

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

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. 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 Employment Opportunity

No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

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.