Principal Process Engineer (SMT Manufacturing)

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a senior Electronics/Product Engineer to shape the future of mission-critical hardware. Bring your SMT expertise, CAD skills, and statistical background to influence production from concept through qualification.

The role requires 10+ years in electronics manufacturing, advanced reflow, tooling design, and a track record of high-reliability improvements. Applicants must obtain and maintain government clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in electronics manufacturing or product engineering.
• Proven experience with high‑reliability manufacturing standards.
• Proficiency with CAD and tooling design.

Responsibilities

• Mastery of SolidWorks or CREO for precision tooling and fixture design.
• Data driven problem solving with JMP or Minitab.
• Deep familiarity with J‑STD‑001 and high reliability manufacturing standards.
• Experience selecting and qualifying advanced materials and processes.
• A track record of evaluating and integrating cutting‑edge manufacturing equipment.
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Help define the approach to solve a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design and manufacturing decisions and communicate them to project leadership.

Skills

SMT expertise

Data-driven problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CREO

JMP

Minitab

Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary: Bring your SMT expertise, CAD skills, and statistical background to Draper, where you can shape the future of electronics manufacturing. In this role you will influence SMT and mixed‑technology assembly from concept to production. Develop reflow profiles, engineer SMT stencils and tooling, program and optimize automation equipment, and collaborate with engineering and production teams to deliver flawless hardware for mission‑critical programs.

What We’re Looking For

• 10 years in electronics manufacturing with deep SMT expertise.
• Advanced reflow, tooling design, and factory automation programming experience.
• Proven success driving program improvements in high reliability environments.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Mastery of SolidWorks or CREO for precision tooling and fixture design.
• Data driven problem solving with JMP or Minitab.
• Deep familiarity with J‑STD‑001 and high reliability manufacturing standards.
• Experience selecting and qualifying advanced materials and processes.
• A track record of evaluating and integrating cutting‑edge manufacturing equipment.
• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Help define the approach to solve a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design and manufacturing decisions and communicate them to project leadership.

Skills/Abilities

• Curiosity‑driven approach to solving complex, customer‑driven problems as part of a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi‑disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non‑technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.

Experience

10+ years experience in Product Engineering or related.

Additional Requirements

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Location

City: Cambridge, State: Massachusetts, Postal Code: 02139‑3563

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].