Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Process Engineer for Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing to lead the PCB fabrication section. You will drive the long‑term vision, manage capital equipment, and guide a team in a low‑volume, high‑mix environment supporting prototypes and space/defense programs.

You will directly influence fabrication processes, collaborate with equipment vendors, and mentor staff while maintaining high standards of quality and on‑time delivery for critical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in PCB 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.
• Must be able to obtain Secret level security clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for the future of PCB fabrication, aligning the section's long‑term vision with the Lab's technology roadmap.
• Identify and evaluate capital equipment and develop staff to maintain technical excellence.
• Participate in key technical efforts, identify emerging opportunities and challenges, supervise technical tasks, and ensure timely completion of products.
• Ensure the highest standards of technical excellence and quality on every project.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers on troubleshooting and maintenance and engage Lab facilities management and engineers to maintain operations.
• Maintain hands‑on involvement in fabrication activities to develop, troubleshoot, qualify, and improve manufacturing processes.
• Perform fabrication tasks including mSAP development, plating processes, lamination, chemical etching, soldermask and silkscreen, via fill, CNC drilling/routing, and laser via processing.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained in operational order and complete maintenance as able.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Relationship building

Mentoring

Problem solving

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/ Chemical/ Manufacturing Engineering

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Tools

PCB fabrication equipment

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 to join a team that shares knowledge, encourages learning, creativity, and career growth? If so, we are 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 to sophisticated prototypes and one-of-a-kind systems that advance scientific knowledge, safeguard our nation's security, and contribute to space exploration and research.

In this role, you will facilitate the fabrication and technology development of printed circuit boards, flex substrates, and rigid flex, solving bold problems that bear importance on national security, military readiness, space exploration, national health, and fundamental science. The team is a tight‑knit group of professional and technical staff fabricating printed circuit boards in a low‑volume, high mix environment for quick‑turn prototypes to space‑flight certified electronics.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction for the future of PCB fabrication, working closely with the Group's Chief Engineer and section supervisor to align the section's long‑term vision with the Lab's technology roadmap.
• Identify and evaluate capital equipment and develop staff to maintain technical excellence.
• Participate in key technical efforts, 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 and complete maintenance as able.

Team Goals

• 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 exceptional technical talent and 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, and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent work experience.
• Have 3+ years of relevant experience in PCB 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 lead a team of professional and support staff, solving complex problems.
• Must be able to obtain Secret level security clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hold an advanced degree in electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a similar scientific or engineering discipline.
• Possess 10+ years of prior experience in the 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 the 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.

Why Work at APL?

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].

Benefits & EEO Statement

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].

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually