PCBA Manufacturing Engineer

Semi-Kinetics Electronics; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Semi-Kinetics Electronics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to define and optimize PCB assembly processes for SMT and through-hole manufacturing. You will review designs for manufacturability, program SMT equipment, and drive improvements for yield, quality, and cost efficiency.

The role involves creating production documentation, supporting ISO/AS9100/ISO 13485 initiatives, and coordinating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure robust, producible products.

Qualifications

• Minimum BS degree in engineering or related discipline, preferably Electronics/electrical and mechanical engineering.
• 5 years manufacturing engineering experience in PCBA SMT assembly/test environments is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.
• Experience with design for manufacturability (DFM) and IPC/J-STD-001 standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes (solder paste printing, SMT placement, reflow profiles) to maximize yield.
• Review PCB designs for manufacturability and reliability.
• Select and program manufacturing equipment (SMT pick-and-place, AOI, X-ray).
• Conduct root cause analysis on assembly defects and implement corrective actions (CAR).
• Create and update work instructions, process specs, and BoMs; manage ECN process.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

PCB Assembly

DFM

Process development

Statistical process control

Education

BS in engineering (electronics/electrical/mechanical) or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

AEGIS Software

Job description

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Process Development & Optimization - Developing and defining manufacturing processes (e.g., solder paste printing, SMT placement, reflow oven profiles) to maximize yield.• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)- Reviewing PCB designs to ensure they can be assembled reliably and efficiently.• Equipment Support: Selecting and programming manufacturing equipment, such as SMT pick-and-place machines, automated optical inspection (AOI), and X-ray systems.• Root Cause Analysis: Investigating assembly defects, performing failure analysis (e.g., BGA rework), and implementing corrective actions (CAR).• Documentation Control: Creating and updating work instructions (WI), process specifications, and Bill of Materials (BOM)• Provide mechanical sustaining engineer expertise to help achieve a more robust and producible product. Process and Product development.• Maintain accurate documentation regarding testing techniques and results• Facilitate the creation of new advance product assembly and layouts with AutoCAD and SolidWorks and AEGIS Software.• Create engineer change notice (ECN) and incorporate changes per red lines• Implement release of all necessary documents to manufacturing and provide maintenance through ECO process• Plans manufacturing processes including sequence of operations. Supports liaison engineering function in all steps of the manufacturing process• Using parts lists and related drawings from customers, creates Bill of Materials (BOM) and enters the information in the company MRP system.• Interfaces with customers to determine or clarify product specifications and requirements• Using parts lists, related drawings, and customer specifications, develops manufacturing bills of materials, routings and tooling work orders in the company MRP system.• Develops the most efficient manufacturing methods and tooling required for the production of the product, to the applicable customer quality standards and specifications in accordance with IPC & J-STD-001 standard.• Confers with management, production control, quality, and shop personnel regarding current manufacturing capabilities, manufacturing improvements, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes.• Reviews customer purchase order changes, drawing and specification changes, for incorporation and cost impact.• Meets established standards for productivity and quality. Responsible for supporting and ensuring compliance to latest Quality Management Systems• Must contribute to a positive work environment. Performs many tasks that may be required to support customer expectations and company goals.• Assisting where applicable the Implementation of ISO-9000, AS9100, ISO 13485 Certification• Assist with Disposition of internal and external MRB, CARS, SCARS• Additional duties as required• Work to release all required documentation to Doc control, Quality, and Production.• ITAR/Export company requirements are in place.QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS• Minimum BS degree in engineering or related discipline, preferably in Electronics / electrical and mechanical engineering OR equivalent experience working as a Manufacturing Engineer in a PCBA SMT assembly and test environment.• Experience of 5 years preferred, Manufacturing Engineering experience servicing aerospace/defense, medical, and semiconductor customers.• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills.• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet software including MS Word, Excel, Access; CAD software knowledge required (AEGIS preferred).• Strong analytical, fault isolation and problem-solving skills.• Strong organization skills and attention to details required.• Experience in process design, development and project planning is helpful.• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers and Bills of Materials with full documentation and configuration control required.• Must understand production flow and be capable of logically developing planning within this flow that correctly and efficiently builds product.• Demonstrated abilities in developing and executing Statistical Process Control for Manufacturing are required.ADDITIONAL NOTESResponsible for creating job routers and detailed assembly work instructions following all applicable Manufacturing Engineering procedures and Optimizes the assembly process for printed circuit boards (PCBA) to ensure high yield, quality, and efficiency. Key responsibilities include creating production documentation, driving Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback, programming SMT equipment, troubleshooting, and reducing costs. They act as a bridge between design engineering and production, overseeing SMT and through-hole processesYou should be proficient in:PCB Assembly (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)Design for Manufacturability (DFM)Aerospace ManufacturingMachines & technologies you'll use:SMT Machine (Panasonic, Mydata, Yamaha)CAM Software