SMT Process Engineer

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus is seeking an SMT Process Engineer to establish, control, and improve surface-mount assembly of printed circuit board assemblies. You will optimize solder paste printing, component placement, and reflow to achieve high first-pass yield and low defects.

Based in Rock Hill, SC, the role requires collaboration with electrical engineering on DFMs and process validation, with responsibilities including programming pick-and-place, SPI/AOI, and creating process instructions for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in SMT process engineering for electronics assembly.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001.
• Experience developing reflow profiles and stencil designs.
• Experience programming pick-and-place, SPI, or AOI equipment.
• Experience applying root cause analysis methods such as 8D, fishbone, or 5 Whys.
• Ability to read assembly drawings, schematics, and bills of materials.
• U.S. Person status required; ITAR/EAR access.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SMT process parameters for solder paste printing, component placement, and reflow.
• Create and validate reflow profiles for new assemblies and component packages.
• Program and optimize pick-and-place, SPI, and AOI equipment.
• Qualify new products and process changes through first-article inspection and process capability studies.
• Analyze yield and defect data; lead root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Define stencil designs, fixtures, and tooling requirements.
• Provide design for manufacturability feedback to electrical engineering on board layout and component selection.
• Write and maintain work instructions, process specifications, and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Train production technicians on SMT equipment operation and process controls.

Skills

SMT process engineering

IPC-A-610 knowledge

J-STD-001 knowledge

Root cause analysis

Reflow profile development

Pick-and-place programming

SPI/AOI programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Pick-and-place equipment

SPI equipment

AOI equipment

Job description

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus designs its flight controllers, power distribution boards, and sensor interface boards in-house and assembles them at its Rock Hill facility. Board assembly is the first operation in every aircraft build.

This role is the process owner for the SMT line: printing, placement, reflow, and inspection. Board design remains with electrical engineering; the SMT Process Engineer returns manufacturability findings to it and owns everything from bare board to inspected assembly.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking an SMT Process Engineer to establish, control, and improve surface-mount assembly of printed circuit board assemblies. Performance is measured in first-pass yield, defect rate, and line uptime.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain SMT process parameters for solder paste printing, component placement, and reflow
• Create and validate reflow profiles for new assemblies and component packages
• Program and optimize pick-and-place, solder paste inspection (SPI), and automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment
• Qualify new products and process changes through first-article inspection and process capability studies
• Analyze yield and defect data; lead root cause analysis and corrective action for assembly defects
• Define stencil designs, fixtures, and tooling requirements
• Provide design for manufacturability (DFM) feedback to electrical engineering on board layout and component selection
• Write and maintain work instructions, process specifications, and preventive maintenance schedules
• Train production technicians on SMT equipment operation and process controls

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience in SMT process engineering for electronics assembly
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001
• Experience developing reflow profiles and stencil designs
• Experience programming pick-and-place, SPI, or AOI equipment
• Experience applying root cause analysis methods such as 8D, fishbone, or 5 Whys
• Ability to read assembly drawings, schematics, and bills of materials
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification
• Experience with X-ray inspection and BGA/QFN rework
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability electronics manufacturing
• Experience with conformal coating and selective soldering
• Experience with MES or traceability systems
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

What We Look For

Candidates should be able to show yield data from an SMT line before and after process changes they made, and should have programmed the placement and inspection equipment themselves.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.