Senior Process Engineer

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability (short/long-term)

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to lead NPI from concept to production launch in a San Diego SMT/PCBA environment. You will develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes, troubleshoot complex issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes data analysis, root cause investigations, and collaboration with quality, facilities, and supply chain to ensure safe, efficient production and high yield.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of process engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Hands-on SMT manufacturing experience across full process: solder print, pick and place, reflow, inspection, rework.
• Experience with NPI and process development from concept to production launch.
• Experience supporting PCBA or circuit card assembly environments.
• Ability to independently make technical decisions based on SMT manufacturing experience and electronics knowledge.
• Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies.
• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; document processes clearly.
• Eligible under ITAR requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI activities from introduction to production launch.
• Develop and optimize SMT/PCBA processes to improve efficiency, quality, and yield.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues on SMT lines and drive corrective actions.
• Create and maintain detailed work instructions and manufacturing documentation.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and implement data-driven solutions.
• Lead root cause investigations and failure analysis activities.
• Evaluate equipment, tooling, and methods to meet process requirements.
• Collaborate with quality, production, facilities, EHS, customers, and supply chain.
• Support operator training with clear process guidance and documentation.
• Manage multiple engineering projects, prioritizing tasks and communicating progress.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

NPI

PCBA

SPC

FMEA

DOE

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Communication

ITAR eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Senior Process EngineerJob Description

The Senior Process Engineer leads the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of advanced manufacturing processes in an SMT and PCBA production environment. This role owns New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from initial concept through full production launch, serves as a key technical resource for manufacturing operations, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own NPI activities from introduction through production launch, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to full-scale manufacturing.
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for SMT and PCBA/circuit card assembly to improve efficiency, quality, and yield.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues on SMT lines and drive corrective and preventive actions to resolve problems and prevent recurrence.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed work instructions and manufacturing documentation that support consistent and compliant production.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for process improvements, and implement data-driven solutions.
• Support and lead root cause investigations and failure analysis activities, using structured methodologies to identify and eliminate underlying issues.
• Evaluate equipment, tooling, and manufacturing methods to ensure they meet process requirements and support continuous improvement goals.
• Partner closely with quality, production, facilities, environmental health and safety (EHS), customers, and supply chain teams to align processes with operational and business objectives.
• Support operator training by providing clear process guidance, technical support, and documentation to ensure proper implementation on the production floor.
• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress to stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing operations, providing expert guidance on SMT processes, electronics, and semiconductor-related issues.
• Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement techniques such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies to enhance process robustness and performance.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on SMT manufacturing experience across the full process, including solder print, pick and place, reflow, inspection, and rework.
• Proven experience with NPI (New Product Introduction) and process development from concept through production launch.
• Experience supporting PCBA or circuit card assembly environments.
• Strong ability to independently make technical decisions based on prior SMT manufacturing experience, failure analysis, and electronics/semiconductor knowledge.
• Knowledge and practical application of SPC (Statistical Process Control), FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), DOE (Design of Experiments), Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies.
• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills for complex manufacturing and process issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document processes clearly and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Eligibility under ITAR requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.
• Experience working with SMT lines and related equipment and tooling.
• Comfort managing multiple concurrent engineering projects in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with quality, production, facilities, EHS, customers, and supply chain teams.

Work Environment

This role operates in a high‑technology manufacturing environment that includes SMT lines and PCBA/circuit card assembly processes, potentially within cleanroom areas. The Senior Process Engineer works closely with production operators, quality, facilities, EHS, and supply chain teams on the manufacturing floor and in engineering office spaces. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with frequent use of data analysis tools and methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies. Work typically involves standard full‑time hours, with flexibility to support production needs, resolve urgent process issues, and participate in cross‑functional project activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $87000.00 - $105000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.