Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Leonardo DRS; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

Relocation available

Exempt full-time

First shift

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in Cypress, CA is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to develop and sustain hands-on microelectronics assembly processes in a cleanroom production environment. The role involves building parts, aligning and troubleshooting equipment, and supporting production at the bench, with a focus on micron-level alignment of precision focal plane arrays using a custom manual alignment machine.

The candidate will lead cross-functional process-development efforts, write clear work

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field; 8+ years of progressively complex engineering experience or equivalent
• Hands-on experience assembling complex microelectronics in a cleanroom environment; ability to build, inspect, and troubleshoot high-precision parts
• Experience developing and improving precision assembly and alignment processes with fixtures, microscopes, and metrology tools
• Experience with manufacturing process development, equipment integration or qualification, and sustaining production support
• Knowledge of cleanroom gowning, contamination control, ESD-safe handling, and traceable documentation; able to work in a cleanroom and conduct bench-level assembly

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain precision microelectronics assembly processes; perform builds and trials in the cleanroom
• Learn and execute the site’s FPA mounting process on a manual alignment machine
• Integrate, set up, and validate manufacturing equipment and inspection methods
• Provide real-time production support; troubleshoot defects and implement corrective actions
• Work in the cleanroom following safety and gowning procedures; maintain build and process records
• Lead cross-functional process-development efforts and communicate progress to stakeholders

Skills

Cleanroom assembly

Microscopy

Metrology

Process development

Documentation

ESD handling

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Fixtures

Alignment tools

Microscopes

Metrology equipment

Job description

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Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Cypress, CA, US, 90630

Job ID: 115665

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveragingcutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS’sElectro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business,we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Business Unit: EOIS
Location: Cypress, CA
Career Functional Area: Production Operations
Relocation Available: Yes
Type: Exempt Full-time
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

Job Summary

Principal Manufacturing Engineer responsible for developing and sustaining hands-on microelectronics assembly processes in a cleanroom production environment. This is a working engineering role: the engineer will build parts, integrate and troubleshoot equipment, and support production at the bench. A key assignment is learning, executing, documenting, and improving the site’s precision focal plane array (FPA) mounting process using a custom manual alignment machine for micron-level alignment.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, qualify, document, and sustain precision microelectronics assembly processes; personally perform builds and process trials in the cleanroom to establish repeatable methods, controls, and acceptance criteria.
• Learn and execute the site’s FPA mounting process on a custom manual alignment machine; align delicate assemblies to micron-level requirements, verify results using appropriate metrology, and improve setup, fixturing, and work instructions.
• Integrate, set up, and validate manufacturing equipment, tooling, and inspection methods; partner with technicians, engineering, quality, and facilities to make new or modified equipment production-ready.
• Provide real-time production support at the point of use: troubleshoot assembly and alignment issues, investigate defects and yield loss, implement corrective actions, and train operators on stable, documented processes.
• Work directly in the cleanroom while following gowning, contamination-control, ESD, safety, and material-handling practices; build and handle sensitive hardware with care and maintain accurate build and process records.
• Lead cross-functional process-development efforts, including manufacturability reviews, build plans, work instructions, test and inspection requirements, process changes, and transition from engineering builds to repeatable production. Act independently on complex assignments and communicate technical risks and progress to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field with 8+ years progressively complex engineering experience or equivalent combination of education/training and experience
• Hands-on experience assembling complex microelectronics in a cleanroom manufacturing environment; comfortable personally building, inspecting, and troubleshooting delicate, high-precision parts rather than only directing others.
• Demonstrated experience developing and improving precision assembly and alignment processes, including hands-on use of fixtures, manual positioning or alignment tools, microscopes, and dimensional or optical metrology.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, equipment integration or qualification, and sustaining production support, with the ability to translate hands-on learning into clear work instructions and process controls.
• Working knowledge of cleanroom gowning, contamination control, ESD‑safe handling, and traceable manufacturing documentation; willing and able to work regularly in a cleanroom and perform detailed bench‑level assembly.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $119,940/year-$186,207 /year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.