Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA/SMT)

Rocketdyne•Mason, OH

4d•$115,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer will own critical PCBA/SMT processes for electronics manufacturing, serving as the technical expert for vapor phase soldering and other advanced assembly processes. The role focuses on ensuring the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of space-grade hardware used in spacecraft and launch vehicle avionics. The engineer will develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet aerospace quality standards, troubleshoot production issues, and integrate design for manufacturability from concept through production. The role also leads automation and AI-enabled manufacturing improvements, collaborates with equipment vendors, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. Working with design engineering, quality, production, supply chain, and Integrated Product Teams, the engineer will resolve manufacturing challenges, maintain manufacturing documentation, and train and mentor production technicians. The position supports design reviews and new product introduction from prototype through full-rate production, while helping ensure on-time delivery and compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements. The job is located in Mason, Ohio, and follows a 9/80 schedule: 80 hours across nine workdays in each 14-day period, with every other Friday off.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; alternatively, a master's degree with at least four years of prior related experience.
At least six years of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing and PCBA/SMT processes; alternatively, at least four years of prior related experience with a master's degree.
Demonstrated experience with SMT processes such as reflow soldering, wave soldering, or vapor phase soldering.
Strong problem-solving skills and a bias toward action.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
Ability to collaborate in a team environment and drive independent initiatives.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of J-STD-001.
Experience with new product introduction or new technology introduction.
Familiarity with design for manufacturability principles.
Experience with automation, robotics, or AI-enabled manufacturing processes.
Proficiency with PLM systems such as Teamcenter or similar.
Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
Comfort presenting technical information to leadership and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical authority for vapor phase soldering and other PCBA/SMT processes, including AOI, SPI, and selective soldering.
Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet aerospace quality standards, including J-STD-001 and NASA-STD-8739.
Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement root-cause corrective actions.
Integrate design for manufacturability principles from concept through production.
Lead automation projects to improve efficiency and reduce labor-intensive manual processes.
Evaluate and implement AI-enabled process improvements, such as automated inspection and predictive maintenance.
Collaborate with equipment vendors to integrate new manufacturing capabilities.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
Partner with design engineers, quality, production, and supply chain to resolve manufacturing challenges.
Interface with Integrated Product Teams to support communication and execution.
Create and maintain work instructions, process specifications, and training materials.
Train and mentor production technicians on advanced assembly techniques.
Help ensure on-time delivery of space-grade electronics for spacecraft and launch vehicle avionics.
Participate in design reviews and provide manufacturing feasibility assessments.
Support new product introduction from prototype through full-rate production.
Maintain compliance with aerospace quality standards and customer requirements.