Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing to lead the PCB fabrication section within a low‑volume, high‑mix environment. You will drive technical direction, mentor staff, and collaborate with suppliers to deliver complex boards for national security and space exploration initiatives.

You will manage fabrication processes, ensure quality, and maintain equipment, while advancing prototypes toward space‑flight readiness in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of PCB processing, equipment, chemistries, or related discipline.
• Experience with IPC 6012 and IPC 6013 standards.
• Proven ability to lead and interact with all levels of staff and management, plus customers.
• Ability to lead a technical team and solve complex problems.
• Must be eligible for Secret level security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for PCB fabrication and align with the Lab's technology roadmap.
• Identify capital equipment needs and develop staff to maintain technical excellence.
• Review and supervise technical tasks for timely completion of products.
• Ensure highest standards of technical excellence and quality on every project.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal facilities management for operations.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in fabrication activities as needed.

Skills

PCB processing

leadership

communication

team leadership

technical direction

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/engineering

Advanced degree in electrical/manufacturing engineering

Job description

Description

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy environment? Are you passionate about building and growing a highly skilled team? Are you passionate about contributing to Space Exploration and National Security projects and missions? Would you like join a team that shares knowledge, encourages learning, creativity and career growth? If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing to be a technical leader in the Printed Circuit Board Fabrication Section, a part of the Advanced Electrical Fabrication Group. This is an outstanding opportunity to apply your passion for electronics fabrication toward sophisticated prototypes and one-of-a-kind systems, that advance the scientific knowledge of humankind, safeguard our nation's security, and contribute to the exploration and research in space.

In this role, you will facilitate the fabrication and technology development of printed circuit boards, flex substrates, and rigid flex, used to solve bold problems whose solutions have an important bearing on national security, military readiness, space exploration, national health, and the advancement of fundamental science or engineering. We work as a tight-knit team of professional and technical support staff to fabricate printed circuit boards in a low-volume, high-mix environment to meet wide-ranging requirements from quick-turn prototypes to space‑flight certified electronics.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for the future of printed circuit board fabrication, working closely with the Group's Chief Engineer and the section supervisor to ensure the Section's long-term vision aligns with the Lab's foreseen Technology Roadmap.
• Identify capital equipment and develop staff to maintain technical excellence.
• Participate in key technical efforts to identify emerging opportunities and challenges, review and supervise technical tasks, and ensure timely completion of products.
• Ensure the highest standards of technical excellence and quality are met on every project.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers on troubleshooting and maintenance, and engage internal Lab facilities management, engineers, and support to maintain operations.
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in fabrication activities as required to develop, troubleshoot, qualify, and improve manufacturing processes.
• Perform fabrication tasks including, but not limited to, mSAP development, various plating processes, lamination, chemical etching, soldermask and silkscreen application, via fill, operation of CNC drilling/routing equipment, and laser via processing.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained in operational working order. Complete maintenance as able.

As a team, we will:

• Establish and promote a climate conducive to intellectual curiosity, creativity, innovation, collaboration, growth, productivity, and respect for others.
• Develop and control fabrication schedules and cost estimates.
• Lead and mentor staff. Recruit, develop, and retain a staff with outstanding technical capabilities. Provide professional development mentorship. Ensure assignment of work to staff is consistent with staff development and project needs.
• Communicate often and effectively with staff and customers.
• Support new business activities to expand the scope of the programs within the Research and Exploratory Development Business Area and explore related opportunities in relevant business areas. Support sponsor engagement and concept development. Assist or lead activities to acquire new work for the Group, which may include proposal writing and meetings with potential sponsors.

Special Working Conditions

• Job involves the use of chemistries and maintenance of equipment which could involve lifting up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or similar scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in printed circuit board processing, equipment, chemistries or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with industry specifications for rigid and rigid-flex circuits, IPC 6012, and IPC 6013 standards is required.
• Proven ability to establish relationships and effectively interact with all levels of staff and management, as well as with internal and external customers.
• Ability to effectively lead a team of technical staff in solving complex problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team of professional and support staff, solving complex problems.
• Be able to obtain Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold an Advanced degree in electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or similar scientific or engineering discipline.
• Possess 10+ years of previous experience in PCB industry, with significant hands‑on experience in fabrication.
• Have experience with High Density Interconnect (HDI) fabrication.
• Have experience with facility and equipment specifications review, implementing capital purchase through commissioning and operational verification.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually