Sr. PCBA Manufacturing Engineer

Application Deadline: 23 June 2026Department: Production & TestLocation: Hawthorne, CaliforniaCompensation: $129,000 - $175,000 / yearDescriptionVenturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team. Astrolab is looking for a team member who will support both the development of lunar rovers and the development of our production processes and facility. You will collaborate across design engineering, supply chain, quality, and our manufacturing partners to advance product design in tandem with improving our means to build and test. You will own manufacturing processes, including overseeing Contract Manufacturers (CMs) and guiding internal production teams to ensure timely delivery of high-reliability printed circuit boards (PCBs) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). This includes responsibility for all factory-floor processes, tooling, and continuous improvement initiatives.What you'll do:Collaborate with Design Engineering to provide PCB/PCBA Design for Excellence (DFX) feedback and identify manufacturing risks early in developmentPartner with supply chain and EEE components engineers to establish and enforce a preferred parts list, identify alternate parts, and address part obsolescencePerform in-depth reviews of schematics, eCAD, and BOMs and create Fabrication and Assembly drawings in AltiumContribute to design reviews as a subject matter expert in manufacturability, testability, yield improvement, supplier capability, and quality controlDefine and document manufacturing and test best practices for PCB designers to adhere toLead PCB/PCBA manufacturing vendor selection and qualification, define manufacturing readiness requirements, and drive milestone reviewsDevelop and validate advanced manufacturing and test processes, including equipment selection, commissioning, documentation, and trainingSelect and qualify materials including PCB substrates, solder, flux, and polymerics (staking, underfill, and conformal coat)Work closely with CMs to establish repeatable, high-quality processes for quick-turn and flight-grade buildsDirect and coordinate PCB fabrication and PCBA manufacturing activities, including managing supplier relations, overseeing quarantine and rework operations, and spearheading continuous improvement initiativesWrite and maintain engineering documentation including drawing notes, mBOMs, work instructions, inspection requirements, rework practices, and standard operating proceduresSupport technicians and engineers in building prototype hardware and transitioning designs from development, through qualification, and into productionInvestigate non-conformances to identify root causes, develop corrective actions, and drive systemic improvements to designs and manufacturing processesIdentify opportunities to reduce risk, simplify processes, and enhance PCB/PCBA quality, throughput, and costWhat you'll bring:Bachelor's degree in a STEM field; master's degree or relevant certifications are a plus5+ years of experience in PCB fabrication or PCBA assembly manufacturing. Preference for candidates with NPI, spaceflight hardware, and NASA program experienceExpertise in board assembly processes and equipment: stencil/paste print, SPI, pick & place, SMT reflow, AOI, selective solder, X-ray inspection, flying probe, cleaning, coating, and programmingExtensive knowledge of IPC and NASA standards (IPC-A-600/610 Class 3, J-STD-001, IPC-6012, IPC-CC-830, IPC-SM-840, IPC-TM-650, NASA-STD-8739.1). Experience with the IPC space addendum is a plusDemonstrated experience with materials used in PCBA manufacturing including PCB substrates, polymerics (conformal coating, staking, underfill), solder alloys, and electrical componentsExperience developing and supporting PCBA manufacturing processes (SMT, X-ray, ICT, flying probe, DFT)Knowledge of circuit analysis, test plan development, and troubleshooting of electrical hardware failuresSkilled in failure analysis tools and techniques (SEM, EDX, X-ray, cross-sectioning) and driving root cause investigationsExperience with rigid and flex PCBs for high power and high data rates in high noise environmentsExperience implementing and enforcing Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) principles and leading DFX reviewsExperience with tools such as Altium, SiliconExpert, Valor, and GIDEPExperience collaborating with contract manufacturers and suppliers to improve reliability, lead time, and costAbility to lead small teams in root cause investigations and process improvementsStrong technical writing skills for manufacturing documentation and communicationStrong interpersonal and collaborative skills with a track record of cross-functional teamworkDemonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and communicate effectively with internal and external partnersAdditional ResponsibilitiesMust be able and willing to periodically travel (i.e. field testing events)Must be able to lift 50 lbsWhat We Offer: Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface explorationEquity ownership in the companyComprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support401(k) plan with company matchFlexible PTO and parental leaveHome office set up reimbursementFully flexible and remote friendly work environmentWeekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-siteOnce a month social hour on-site with food and drinks