PCB | Front End Manager

Westak Circuits; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westak Circuits in Portland, Oregon, is looking for a Front End Manager to oversee the pre-production engineering process for PCB manufacturing. This role requires extensive experience in CAM engineering and a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering.

Key responsibilities include managing the CAM tooling department and ensuring designs are manufacturable. A competitive salary range of $100,000 to $150,000 per year is offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on CAM engineering experience in high-density interconnect (HDI), multi-layer, and rigid PCB fabrication.
• Three to five years of supervisory or lead experience.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the CAM Tooling Department for quality improvements.
• Perform advanced DFM/DFA reviews focused on copper spacing and aspect ratios.
• Lead daily CAM operations including layer editing and optimization.

Skills

CAM engineering experience

Statistical techniques for process control

CAD/CAM technology

Education

Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Frontline Genesis

Polar

Job description

Since 1972, Westak has been a trusted manufacturer of printed circuit boards, providing solutions from rapid prototypes to high-volume production through its domestic facilities and established global partnerships. The company is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality products while building lasting customer relationships founded on integrity, credibility, and trust. As an employee‑owned organization, Westak invests in its people, technology, and facilities to maintain exceptional customer service and manufacturing excellence. By combining its wholly owned operations with strategic global alliances, Westak supports customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from development to full‑scale production.

We are seeking a Front End Manager to work on‑site, either at our California or Oregon facility. The PCB Front End Manager oversees the pre‑production engineering process for printed circuit board manufacturing, ensuring customer designs are accurate, manufacturable, and ready for production. This role leads CAM operations, DFM analysis, tooling, panelization, stack‑up validation, and customer data reviews while managing the technical team responsible for converting design files into precise manufacturing data. The focus is on optimizing manufacturability, reducing costs, and ensuring a smooth transition from design to fabrication. The position consists of but is not limited to the following:

REPORTS TO: COO

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively manage and lead the CAM Tooling Department to meet Company’s expectations with continuous improvements in quality, productivity, employees’ skill level, and decreasing operation costs.
• Provide support to Customers, Sales and Manufacturing.
• Maintain and follow safety and company policies.
• Ensure that departmental procedures are maintained and followed to produce quality results.
• Support CAM Tooling to meet goals and make continuous improvement in quality, productivity and labor cost.
• Accurately and professionally represent Westak to customers and vendors.
• Foster, promote, and schedule cross training to develop employee skills in order to have better coverage and increase employees’ value.
• Demonstrate professional, respectful interaction with other team members.
• Be a positive and professional role model.
• Take ownership of all tasks.
• Support Quality Policy.
• Support QA Manual.

TASKS

• Manage all Tooling, Methodizing, Pre‑Engineer, Photo, Programming of Fixtures, Fab and Drill areas.
• Leads daily CAM operations including layer editing, netlist comparison, and drill/rout optimization.
• Performs advanced DFM/DFA reviews focused on copper spacing, aspect ratios, and registration tolerances.
• Validates stack‑ups and controlled impedance using tools such as Polar and selects appropriate materials.
• Develops automation and scripting to improve CAM efficiency and reduce errors.
• Designs tooling and panelization strategies to maximize manufacturing yield.
• Creates and issues Engineering Queries (EQs) to resolve design and data discrepancies with customers.
• Support on‑time and quality goals.
• Maintain, and when necessary, upgrade software used in analyzing and tooling part data.
• Employee training and certification to achieve continuous improvement.
• Conduct Performance Reviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of hands‑on CAM engineering experience in high‑density interconnect (HDI), multi‑layer, and rigid PCB fabrication.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a highly technical equivalent, or equivalent industry experience.
• Three to five years supervisor or lead experience.
• Knowledge and application of statistical techniques for process control.
• Mastery of advanced CAM and engineering platforms such as Frontline Genesis.
• Deep, working knowledge of IPC‑A‑600, IPC‑6012, and associated performance classes (Class 2, Class 3/Aerospace and Mil‑Spec).
• Experience using CAD/CAM, electronic technology, CIS or MIS preferred.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic Math/English skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Able to perform and maintain responsibilities and tasks in a timely manner.

SALARY RANGE

$100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year DOE

ITAR REGULATIONS

Due to ITAR regulations, this position is only open to U.S. Persons. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

EEO STATEMENT

Westak is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.