NPD Manufacturing Engineer — DFx & Process Innovator

Katalyst CRO; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking a qualified Manufacturing/Process Engineer in Minnesota to lead design-for-manufacturability reviews, develop and qualify SMT and assembly processes, and drive continuous improvement across production. You will document processes, support pilot builds, and train production staff while coordinating with hardware, test, quality, and materials teams.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, quality and cost optimization, and delivering robust, scalable manufacturing

Qualifications

• STEM Degree.
• PCBa development and manufacturing for Chillers.
• Process Development and Qualification.
• DFM/DFT.
• SMT.
• Project Management experience.
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM/DFT): Review schematics, layouts, and Gerber files with design teams to catch issues early, applying DFx principles (Design for Excellence).
• Process Development & Qualification: Develop, validate, and document manufacturing processes for SMT (pick-and-place, reflow), selective soldering, wave soldering, AOI/X-ray inspection, conformal coating, and assembly; develop and implement process controls and control improvements.
• Prototype & Pilot Builds: Conduct qualification activities to ensure deliverables meet required specifications. Create required documentation for new or updated processes and provide or support training of production associates including run initial builds, troubleshoot issues and optimize processes before full production.
• Project Management: Ability to lead teams and manage large implementation projects.
• Documentation: Create and maintain work instructions, panel designs, inline test procedures, BOMs, and ECOs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with Hardware, Test, Quality, and Materials teams to ensure smooth product introduction.
• Yield & Cost Optimization: Continuously strive for operational excellence and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for improving output, reducing costs, and enhancing product reliability.
• SQDC: Propose potential projects and provide technical leadership to help overall site achievement of safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity improvement goals within the manufacturing operation.
• Customer: Work to consistently meet and exceed customer requirements and continuously strive for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to function effectively in a dynamic team environment: Demonstrate ability to cope with stress and maintain a pleasant and cooperative temperament with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate ability to perform mental tasks such as making decisions, learning, thinking rationally, problem solving, and exercising good judgment.

Skills

DFM/DFT

Project management

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional

Process development

Education

STEM Degree

Job description

Katalyst CRO is seeking a qualified Manufacturing/Process Engineer in Minnesota to lead design-for-manufacturability reviews, develop and qualify SMT and assembly processes, and drive continuous improvement across production. You will document processes, support pilot builds, and train production staff while coordinating with hardware, test, quality, and materials teams.

The role emphasizes cross-functional teamwork, quality and cost optimization, and delivering robust, scalable manufacturing