Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer - SMT/PCBA

Epirus; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Epirus is seeking a Senior Principal Electronics Process Engineer to lead the implementation of a new PCB manufacturing line, focusing on pallet bonding and SMT processes. The role drives process development, production efficiency and quality in high-mix PCB assembly environments.

The ideal candidate has deep PCB manufacturing expertise, hands-on SMT tooling experience and a track record of continuous improvement using DFMA, Six Sigma and lean methods. US citizenship required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing/mechanical/material engineering or production.
• Expertise in pallet bonding, SMT equipment stencil design, solder paste application, reflow soldering and AOI.
• Hands-on SMT equipment experience including pick-and-place, reflow ovens, wave soldering and conformal coating.
• Background with commercial electronics including dual-use systems.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• US Citizen; future security clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development and implementation of pallet bonding equipment, SMT and manual electronics assembly at low/mid volumes.
• Identify and implement lean, Six Sigma and automation to optimize production workflows.
• Monitor process performance, troubleshoot defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with engineering on NPI by developing board and box level assembly processes.
• Identify and implement PFMEA for PCB products.
• Provide inputs to manufacturing plans and operation strategy.
• Develop trainings and standards for production technicians and engineers.

Skills

Pallet bonding

SMT

Six Sigma

Lean manufacturing

Automation

DFMA

Communication

Team collaboration

Production systems

Safety awareness

Tools

SolidWorks

2D/3D modeling software

Pick-and-place machines

Reflow ovens

Wave soldering

Conformal coating

Job description

About Epirus

Epis is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.

Job Summary: This is an exciting role in a growing company. The ideal candidate for the Senior Principal Electronics Process Engineering position is someone who has experience or can lead the implementation of a new PCB manufacturing line, with a specific focus on pallet bonding and surface mount technology (SMT) processes. This role will be instrumental in driving process development, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and optimizing production workflows to support high-quality PCB assembly. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PCB manufacturing, SMT, and process engineering, along with experience in equipment selection, validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of pallet bonding equipment, SMT and manual electronics assembly at low/mid volumes, ensuring adherence to quality, efficiency, and industry standards
• Identify and implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and automation solutions to optimize production workflows.
• Monitor and analyze process performance metrics, troubleshoot defects, and implement corrective actions to enhance product yield and quality.
• Partner with engineering team members in the new product introductions (NPI) by developing and iterating on board and box level assembly processes.
• Identify and implement Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis for PCB related company products
• Provide inputs to manufacturing plans and operation strategy
• Develop trainings and standards for the production technician, and engineering teams to work with implemented equipment

Basic Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing/mechanical/material engineering role or production environment
• Expertise in pallet bonding techniques, surface mount technology equipment stencil design, solder paste application, reflow soldering, and AOI
• Hands-on experience with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering, and conformal coating
• Background working with commercial electronics, including dual-use systems
• Understanding of commercial and dual-use electronics, with the ability to leverage COTS innovations to drive cost-effective, scalable solutions
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• US Citizen (future security clearance may be required)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances
• Experience with automation, robots, and other factory 4.0 technologies
• Proficient in documenting detailed assembly instructions with 3D models, pictures, diagrams, and text
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization
• Knowledge of Production Systems and Lean Manufacturing elements
• Knowledge of Environmental, Health and Safety elements
• Use of SolidWorks, 2D and 3D modeling software
• Experience with RF Products, Electromechanical assembly and test
• Experience with ISO9001/AS9100 quality management systems elements

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.

As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is: $183,500 – $208,000 USD