Staff Engineer, PCBA DFM, Hardware

Google Inc.; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 171,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Mountain View, CA, USA is seeking a Staff DfM/SMT Engineer to own PCBA design for manufacturing across Google's consumer hardware portfolio, including phones, wearables and more. You will lead SMT process integration, perform CAD layout reviews, and guide high-stakes failure analyses while partnering with global contract manufacturers to scale production reliably and efficiently.

This role demands a proven track record in high-density hardware, DFM, SMT, and cross-functional leadership to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience in high-density consumer hardware design, PCBA, and DFM.
• Experience in SMT process integration, CAD layout reviews, and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute long-term PCBA/DFM roadmaps.
• Write and maintain PCBA design guidelines for rigid and rigid-flex assemblies.
• Lead OK2FAB layout reviews to mitigate risks.
• Serve as the engineering authority for SMT defect investigations.
• Define standards for panel array designs, routing clearances and process traceability.

Skills

Hardware design

SMT process

Failure analysis

Stakeholder influence

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

PCB CAD

Job description

Share Staff Engineer, PCBA DFM, Hardware

Google Mountain View, CA, USA

Advanced

Experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders;deep expertise in domain.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience in high-density consumer hardware design, printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Experience in surface mount technology (SMT) process integration, high-risk CAD layout reviews, and conducting component-level failure analysis.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced understanding of solder metallurgy, intermetallic compound formation, SAC305/405 properties, and low-temperature solders.
• Demonstrated industry leadership through patents, published technical papers, or active contributions to industry standards bodies.

About the job

Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct-to-consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration.

As a Staff DfM/Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Engineer, you will serve as the principal technical authority for printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) design for manufacturing (DfM) across Google’s entire consumer hardware portfolio including phones, watches, hearables, and more.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between product design and mass production. You will own the technical roadmap for SMT process integration, qualify next-generation component technologies, and lead high-stakes failure analysis task forces during product ramps. Operating with high technical autonomy, you will influence product design teams early in the development lifecycle and partner directly with global tier-one contract manufacturers to ensure our hardware is built reliably and efficiently at a massive scale.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $171000 - $247000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Define and execute long-term technology roadmaps for PCBA assembly and high-density component packaging.
• Write and maintain proprietary PCBA design guidelines for rigid and rigid-flex assemblies.
• Lead technical gatekeeping for theOK to fabricate (OK2FAB) layout approval workflow, conducting CAD layout reviews to mitigate risks.
• Serve as theprincipal engineering authority for high-stakes SMT defect investigations and failure analysis.
• Define engineering standards for panel array designs, routing clearances, cross-out thresholds, and process traceability.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.