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Northwood Space is seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale in-house PCB assembly capability. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for developing the complete board assembly process from prototype through production, defining assembly standards, and standing up the PCB assembly manufacturing area.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and own the SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process, including solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair
- Define process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship
- Lead design and buildout of the PCB assembly area, including layout, material flow, operator flow, and scaling considerations
- Specify, source, and implement equipment and infrastructure: SMT line equipment, inspection tools, rework tools, ESD controls, benches, tooling, fixtures, and facility infrastructure (power, cooling, compressed air)
- Establish integration of PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking with manufacturing systems (Manufacturo)
- Create comprehensive process documentation including work instructions, process flows, training materials, control plans, and acceptance criteria
- Define quality standards and inspection methodologies for assembled boards
- Partner with Electrical Engineers on DFM/DFT for PCBAs to improve manufacturability, yield, reliability, and testability
- Identify and resolve process issues, yield losses, and quality escapes through structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement
- Build and lead the PCB assembly organization, including hiring and developing manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and technicians
- Establish training systems and production readiness standards for operators and technicians
- Drive ramp readiness for new products and ongoing improvements for cost, throughput, and quality
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering; 6+ years in PCB assembly, SMT process engineering, or electronics manufacturing; experience developing and scaling SMT/PCB assembly processes in production; knowledge of PCB assembly equipment, inspection methods, and rework processes; experience creating manufacturing documentation and standards; cross-functional collaboration with design engineering on DFM; strong understanding of ESD controls and electronics manufacturing quality requirements.
Preferred qualifications include experience standing up new PCB assembly lines from scratch, selecting and implementing SMT equipment, integrating with MES/MRP systems like Manufacturo, familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001), hiring and leading technical teams, yield improvement and defect reduction expertise, and comfort in fast-paced environments where processes and factory systems are built in parallel.
Role requires on-site presence 5 days per week and willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed. ITAR compliance required (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).
