Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Adtran•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Specialist to support and optimize back-end electronics manufacturing processes, including press-fit operations, mechanical PCB assembly, and full box build integration. This role will be responsible for press-fit program development, tooling design, process validation, and continuous improvement across mechanical and electromechanical assembly lines. The ideal candidate will bring 3–5 years of experience in electronics manufacturing and possess hands-on knowledge of press-fit technology, fixture/tooling development, BOM management, and assembly documentation. This role is critical in ensuring high-quality, repeatable processes that meet production throughput and reliability requirements.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in electronics manufacturing or related engineering role
Hands-on experience with: Press-fit processes and tooling, Mechanical PCB assembly and box build, Fixture and tooling design
Strong ability to read and interpret BOMs, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation
Experience with manufacturing process development and validation
Proficiency with Excel, Word, and manufacturing systems (MES/SPC tools)
Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing.
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, or related field preferred.
Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for tooling design
3D printed tooling design. Design and Programming.
Familiarity with automation and semi-automated assembly systems
Experience with DOE, SPC, and Six Sigma methodologies
Exposure to high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Develop, validate, and maintain back-end manufacturing processes, including: Press-fit insertion operations, Mechanical PCB assembly, Box build and final system integration.
Establish and document standard work instructions, process flows, and control plans.
Define critical process parameters and ensure adherence to product specifications and customer requirements.
Develop and optimize press-fit programs including force monitoring windows, insertion profiles, and compliance limits.
Design, specify, and validate press-fit tooling and fixtures (nests, supports, alignment guides).
Ensure coplanarity, hole alignment, and mechanical integrity meet engineering drawing requirements.
Analyze insertion force data and troubleshoot defects such as bent pins, incomplete insertion, or board damage.
Design and implement custom assembly tooling and fixtures for PCB and box build processes.
Partner with internal teams or external vendors for tool fabrication and qualification.
Improve ergonomics, repeatability, and poka-yoke features within assembly processes.
Support preventive maintenance and calibration of fixtures and tooling.
Lead manufacturing engineering activities during NPI builds and product launches.
Review and validate Bills of Material (BOM), assembly drawings, and work instructions for manufacturability.
Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) improvements.
Support first article builds, line validation, and readiness reviews.
Interpret and validate multi-level BOMs, assembly drawings, and mechanical schematics.
Ensure alignment between engineering releases and manufacturing processes.
Validate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and implement updates on the production floor.
Diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues related to: Press-fit defects, Mechanical tooling, Assembly variation.
Drive improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY), DPMO, and Overall Tooling/Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and variation.
Ensure processes meet applicable standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and customer-specific requirements.
Support internal and external audits.
Partner with Quality Engineering to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Test Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production.
Interface with suppliers for tooling, materials, and process improvements.
Provide technical support and training to production operators and technicians.
Analyze manufacturing data using MES systems, SPC tools, and Excel-based reporting.
Track key performance indicators and provide regular process performance updates.
Use data-driven insights to support decision-making and process improvements.
Other projects and assignments may result and be assigned to accommodate the changing needs of the department and the Company.