Manufacturing Engineer-Surface Mount Technology (SMT)

At Spectrum Control, most departments operate on a 4-day, 10-hour work schedule in exchange for a 3-day weekend. We offer competitive wages and PTO, plus our benefits begin on day 1 of employment. Come join a workforce where we put you first!

Job Summary: We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with hands-on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing experience to support the production of high-reliability defense electronics. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for SMT assembly, soldering, die attach, wire bonding, and module assembly while supporting new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams, the Manufacturing Engineer will provide daily factory support, create and maintain manufacturing routers and work instructions, troubleshoot production issues, and train operators on best practices to improve quality, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.

Compensation Range: The expected compensation range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing processes and routers for surface mount technology (SMT) assembly, die attach and wire bonding operations as well as module assembly.
• Provide hands-on floor support to troubleshoot process and equipment issues in real time.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield, throughput, and first-pass quality on legacy programs.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing repeatable, producible processes for new hardware.
• Train and mentor production assemblers and technicians on process steps, equipment operation, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with design, quality, and program engineering teams to resolve producibility issues and drive design-for-manufacturability improvements.
• Generate and maintain work instructions, process specifications, and travelers in compliance with internal quality systems and customer requirements.
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for process-related nonconformances.
• Participate in equipment qualification, process validation, and first article inspection activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent hands-on experience.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in microelectronics manufacturing setting with an emphasis in SMT and chip and wire.
• Experience with SMT equipment, stencil printing, solder paste, reflow soldering, AOI, SPI, and PCB assembly strongly preferred.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills and comfort working directly on the production floor. Experience in process implementation and improvement are key.
• Ability to read and interpret production and engineering CAD drawings, BOMs, and process specifications.
• Strong communication skills and experience training/mentoring production staff.
• U.S. Person status is required for export-controlled work.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with wire bonding processes (wedge and/or ball bond) and bond pull/shear testing.
• Familiarity with die attach processes and epoxy selection/curing characteristics.
• Strong understanding of hand and machine soldering to J-STD-001/IPC-A-610 standards with components down to 0201 as well as BGA and QFNs. IPC certifications (e.g. J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620) is a bonus.
• Experience with hermetic package assembly and seal processes.
• Experience programming and operating Onyx (or similar) automated solder stations.
• Knowledge of hermeticity testing (fine/gross leak) and related acceptance criteria and familiarity with hydrogen getter materials and their role in hermetic package moisture control.
• Familiarity with common MIL standards and their application.
• Experience supporting DoD or aerospace programs and familiarity with AS9100 quality systems as well as ESD protocols.
• Experience with mechanical environmental screening such as shock, vibration, temperature cycling and burn in.
• Six Sigma Certification.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Regular presence on the production floor in a controlled/cleanroom-adjacent environment.
• Ability to use microscopes, temperature plates and fine-motor tools for extended periods.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Third-Party Recruiters

Please note, that per Spectrum Control Policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our values and expectations. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Spectrum Control will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. If you or your agency are interested in becoming an approved vendor please contact scirecruiting@am.spectrumcontrol.com.