Principal Process Engineer (SMT Manufacturing)

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Job summary

Draper Labs is seeking a Principal Process Engineer in Cambridge, MA to lead innovative electronics manufacturing solutions. Bring your SMT and tooling expertise to influence production processes, develop reflow profiles, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in high reliability manufacturing environments and holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Competitive salary range is $62,500 to $245,000.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing with deep SMT expertise.
• Advanced reflow and tooling design experience.
• Experience in factory automation programming.

Responsibilities

• Influence SMT and mixed-technology assembly from concept to production.
• Develop reflow profiles and engineer SMT stencils.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver flawless hardware.
• Evaluate and integrate advanced manufacturing equipment.

Skills

Electronics manufacturing experience

SMT expertise

SolidWorks or CREO proficiency

Data analysis with JMP or Minitab

Ability to solve complex problems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant field

Tools

Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs

Job description

Principal Process Engineer (SMT Manufacturing)

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.

Overview

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 Job Description

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Compensation

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $62,500.00 – $245,000.00.

Benefits and Work‑Life Balance

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

EEO Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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.