{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"d4de215a60e736f7e455c8ef","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d4de215a60e736f7e455c8ef","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d4de215a60e736f7e455c8ef","title":"Process Engineer","description":"Process Engineer – PCBA Assembly\nPosition Summary\n\nRocket EMS is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to develop, refine, and improve manufacturing processes for high-reliability printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), with a primary focus on IPC Class 3 aerospace and defense products.\n\nThis position is responsible for improving process capability, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost performance throughout the PCBA production cycle. The Process Engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Program Management, Test, and Production personnel to identify process weaknesses, implement sustainable improvements, and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.\n\nA significant area of responsibility will be the Polymerics department, including conformal coating, masking, staking, underfill, encapsulation, curing, and associated inspection processes.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nProcess Development and Improvement\n\nDevelop, qualify, document, and continuously improve PCBA manufacturing processes for IPC Class 3 aerospace and defense assemblies.\n\nEvaluate existing production processes and identify opportunities to improve quality, throughput, repeatability, capacity, and cost.\n\nEstablish and refine process parameters, operating windows, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.\n\nLead process improvement projects using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, statistical process control, design of experiments, and structured problem-solving methods.\n\nDevelop and maintain process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, control plans, manufacturing instructions, and standard operating procedures.\n\nEnsure process changes are properly validated, documented, communicated, and incorporated into production documentation.\n\nSupport new equipment evaluation, selection, installation, qualification, and production release.\n\nPerform capability studies and use production data to identify variation, trends, and potential process risks.\n\nEnsure processes remain consistent with customer drawings, specifications, approved deviations, and contractual requirements.\n\nPCBA Manufacturing Processes\n\nProvide technical support and process ownership across manufacturing operations, including:\n\nSolder paste printing and solder paste inspection\n\nSMT placement and component handling\n\nReflow profiling and thermal process control\n\nAutomated optical inspection\n\nX-ray and automated X-ray inspection\n\nThrough-hole assembly and hand soldering\n\nSelective soldering and wave soldering\n\nManual and automated cleaning processes\n\nRework and repair operations\n\nMechanical assembly and hardware installation\n\nElectrical test, functional test, and debug support\n\nPre-coat preparation and cleanliness verification\n\nFinal inspection and product acceptance\n\nPolymerics and Conformal Coating\n\nServe as a technical resource for Polymerics processes, with a strong emphasis on conformal coating of Class 3 aerospace PCBAs.\n\nDevelop and refine processes for masking, surface preparation, conformal coating application, demasking, curing, UV inspection, thickness verification, and final acceptance.\n\nSupport associated Polymerics operations, including staking, bonding, underfill, encapsulation, potting, and adhesive application.\n\nEstablish and control critical material and process requirements, including viscosity, mixing, pot life, working time, storage conditions, application thickness, cure temperature, cure duration, humidity, and environmental exposure.\n\nEvaluate coating coverage, adhesion, bubbles, voids, contamination, delamination, excessive thickness, insufficient coverage, masking defects, and other workmanship concerns.\n\nImprove coating transfer efficiency and reduce material waste, touch-up, rework, and cycle time.\n\nDevelop standardized coating profiles and application methods for automated and manual coating processes.\n\nEnsure Polymerics processes comply with applicable customer specifications, IPC requirements, material manufacturer requirements, and aerospace quality standards.\n\nAssist with the evaluation and qualification of new coatings, adhesives, masking materials, dispensing equipment, curing systems, and inspection methods.\n\nWork with Quality and Production personnel to investigate coating-related defects and implement permanent corrective actions.\n\nCost Analysis and Manufacturing Efficiency\n\nPerform detailed cost analysis of PCBA manufacturing processes, including labor, material consumption, machine time, tooling, inspection, rework, scrap, and yield loss.\n\nIdentify the true cost drivers associated with specific assemblies and manufacturing operations.\n\nDevelop cost-reduction recommendations without compromising Class 3 workmanship, reliability, traceability, or customer requirements.\n\nAnalyze actual production performance against quoted labor standards and estimated manufacturing costs.\n\nEstablish and maintain accurate labor standards, cycle times, equipment utilization assumptions, and process capacity models.\n\nEvaluate the financial impact and expected return on investment for new equipment, automation, tooling, and process changes.\n\nConduct make-versus-buy analyses when appropriate.\n\nTrack savings generated through process improvements and confirm that projected savings are realized.\n\nSupport estimating and quoting activities by providing accurate process assumptions, labor content, equipment requirements, tooling costs, and manufacturing risk assessments.\n\nPartner with Program Management and Operations to address assemblies that are performing below planned margin, yield, or throughput expectations.\n\nQuality and Corrective Action\n\nLead or support investigations involving defects, escapes, nonconformances, customer returns, and recurring manufacturing issues.\n\nUse structured root-cause analysis methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, fault-tree analysis, and design of experiments.\n\nDevelop corrective and preventive actions that address the underlying process failure rather than only the immediate defect.\n\nSupport first article inspections, process validations, customer audits, and internal quality audits.\n\nMonitor defect trends, first-pass yield, rework, scrap, process capability, and other key manufacturing indicators.\n\nWork with Quality Engineering to establish measurable process controls and ensure continued compliance.\n\nProvide technical input for material review board decisions, deviations, and rework instructions.\n\nMaintain the traceability and documentation discipline required for aerospace and defense products.\n\nNew Product Introduction and Production Support\n\nParticipate in new product introduction reviews to identify manufacturing risks before production release.\n\nReview customer documentation, bills of material, drawings, assembly notes, and special process requirements for manufacturability.\n\nDevelop manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, profiles, and work instructions for new products.\n\nSupport prototype, pilot, first article, and production builds.\n\nProvide timely technical support to Production when process issues affect WIP movement, schedule performance, or product quality.\n\nCoordinate process trials and ensure engineering activities are completed with minimal disruption to production.\n\nTrain operators, technicians, inspectors, and supervisors on new or revised processes.\n\nMaintain a visible presence on the production floor and work directly with employees performing the processes.\n\nPerformance Measures\n\nPerformance for this position may include:\n\nFirst-pass yield\n\nDefect and escape reduction\n\nRework and scrap reduction\n\nConformal coating defect rate\n\nPolymerics cycle time and throughput\n\nProcess capability and repeatability\n\nLabor efficiency and standard-hour accuracy\n\nOn-time completion of corrective actions\n\nCost savings from approved process improvements\n\nSuccessful qualification and release of new processes\n\nReduction in manufacturing constraints and WIP aging\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.\n\nThree or more years of process or manufacturing engineering experience in PCBA production, electronics manufacturing, or a comparable high-reliability environment.\n\nWorking knowledge of SMT, reflow, soldering, cleaning, inspection, rework, and PCBA assembly processes.\n\nExperience supporting IPC Class 3 or similarly regulated, high-reliability products.\n\nDemonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify process variation, and implement measurable improvements.\n\nExperience performing labor, material, yield, scrap, and process cost analysis.\n\nAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, assembly instructions, customer specifications, and technical data sheets.\n\nStrong root-cause analysis, troubleshooting, technical writing, and project-management skills.\n\nProficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data-analysis and reporting tools.\n\nAbility to communicate effectively with production employees, engineers, managers, customers, and suppliers.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience manufacturing aerospace, defense, spaceflight, medical, or other high-reliability PCBAs.\n\nHands-on experience with conformal coating, masking, dispensing, staking, underfill, encapsulation, or potting processes.\n\nFamiliarity with IPC-A-610 Class 3 and J-STD-001 Class 3 requirements.\n\nFamiliarity with IPC-CC-830, coating material requirements, and aerospace-specific conformal coating specifications.\n\nExperience working within an AS9100-certified quality management system.\n\nCertification as an IPC Specialist, Trainer, or equivalent.\n\nLean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or statistical process control experience.\n\nExperience with automated conformal coating equipment, selective coating systems, dispensing systems, UV inspection, and curing equipment.\n\nExperience with PFMEA, control plans, design of experiments, process capability analysis, and gauge repeatability and reproducibility studies.\n\nExperience developing capital equipment justifications and return-on-investment analyses.\n\nWork Environment\n\nThis position operates primarily in an electronics manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production equipment, chemicals, coatings, adhesives, and curing processes. The Process Engineer must be able to follow all ESD, safety, chemical-handling, personal protective equipment, and controlled-process requirements.\n\nThe position requires regular time on the manufacturing floor, including observing processes, conducting trials, collecting data, troubleshooting equipment, and working directly with operators and technicians.\n\nITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.\n\nRocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.\n#zr","company":"Rocketems","rawCompany":"rocketems","city":"Carson City","state":"NV","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-29T10:45:29.018Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2112.03","title":"Manufacturing Engineers","slug":"manufacturing-engineers"},{"code":"17-2112.00","title":"Industrial Engineers","slug":"industrial-engineers"},{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"334418","title":"Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing","slug":"printed-circuit-assembly-electronic-assembly-manufacturing"},{"code":"334419","title":"Other Electronic Component Manufacturing","slug":"other-electronic-component-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Process Engineer","description":"Process Engineer – PCBA Assembly\nPosition Summary\n\nRocket EMS is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to develop, refine, and improve manufacturing processes for high-reliability printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), with a primary focus on IPC Class 3 aerospace and defense products.\n\nThis position is responsible for improving process capability, product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost performance throughout the PCBA production cycle. The Process Engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Program Management, Test, and Production personnel to identify process weaknesses, implement sustainable improvements, and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.\n\nA significant area of responsibility will be the Polymerics department, including conformal coating, masking, staking, underfill, encapsulation, curing, and associated inspection processes.\n\nKey Responsibilities\nProcess Development and Improvement\n\nDevelop, qualify, document, and continuously improve PCBA manufacturing processes for IPC Class 3 aerospace and defense assemblies.\n\nEvaluate existing production processes and identify opportunities to improve quality, throughput, repeatability, capacity, and cost.\n\nEstablish and refine process parameters, operating windows, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.\n\nLead process improvement projects using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, statistical process control, design of experiments, and structured problem-solving methods.\n\nDevelop and maintain process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, control plans, manufacturing instructions, and standard operating procedures.\n\nEnsure process changes are properly validated, documented, communicated, and incorporated into production documentation.\n\nSupport new equipment evaluation, selection, installation, qualification, and production release.\n\nPerform capability studies and use production data to identify variation, trends, and potential process risks.\n\nEnsure processes remain consistent with customer drawings, specifications, approved deviations, and contractual requirements.\n\nPCBA Manufacturing Processes\n\nProvide technical support and process ownership across manufacturing operations, including:\n\nSolder paste printing and solder paste inspection\n\nSMT placement and component handling\n\nReflow profiling and thermal process control\n\nAutomated optical inspection\n\nX-ray and automated X-ray inspection\n\nThrough-hole assembly and hand soldering\n\nSelective soldering and wave soldering\n\nManual and automated cleaning processes\n\nRework and repair operations\n\nMechanical assembly and hardware installation\n\nElectrical test, functional test, and debug support\n\nPre-coat preparation and cleanliness verification\n\nFinal inspection and product acceptance\n\nPolymerics and Conformal Coating\n\nServe as a technical resource for Polymerics processes, with a strong emphasis on conformal coating of Class 3 aerospace PCBAs.\n\nDevelop and refine processes for masking, surface preparation, conformal coating application, demasking, curing, UV inspection, thickness verification, and final acceptance.\n\nSupport associated Polymerics operations, including staking, bonding, underfill, encapsulation, potting, and adhesive application.\n\nEstablish and control critical material and process requirements, including viscosity, mixing, pot life, working time, storage conditions, application thickness, cure temperature, cure duration, humidity, and environmental exposure.\n\nEvaluate coating coverage, adhesion, bubbles, voids, contamination, delamination, excessive thickness, insufficient coverage, masking defects, and other workmanship concerns.\n\nImprove coating transfer efficiency and reduce material waste, touch-up, rework, and cycle time.\n\nDevelop standardized coating profiles and application methods for automated and manual coating processes.\n\nEnsure Polymerics processes comply with applicable customer specifications, IPC requirements, material manufacturer requirements, and aerospace quality standards.\n\nAssist with the evaluation and qualification of new coatings, adhesives, masking materials, dispensing equipment, curing systems, and inspection methods.\n\nWork with Quality and Production personnel to investigate coating-related defects and implement permanent corrective actions.\n\nCost Analysis and Manufacturing Efficiency\n\nPerform detailed cost analysis of PCBA manufacturing processes, including labor, material consumption, machine time, tooling, inspection, rework, scrap, and yield loss.\n\nIdentify the true cost drivers associated with specific assemblies and manufacturing operations.\n\nDevelop cost-reduction recommendations without compromising Class 3 workmanship, reliability, traceability, or customer requirements.\n\nAnalyze actual production performance against quoted labor standards and estimated manufacturing costs.\n\nEstablish and maintain accurate labor standards, cycle times, equipment utilization assumptions, and process capacity models.\n\nEvaluate the financial impact and expected return on investment for new equipment, automation, tooling, and process changes.\n\nConduct make-versus-buy analyses when appropriate.\n\nTrack savings generated through process improvements and confirm that projected savings are realized.\n\nSupport estimating and quoting activities by providing accurate process assumptions, labor content, equipment requirements, tooling costs, and manufacturing risk assessments.\n\nPartner with Program Management and Operations to address assemblies that are performing below planned margin, yield, or throughput expectations.\n\nQuality and Corrective Action\n\nLead or support investigations involving defects, escapes, nonconformances, customer returns, and recurring manufacturing issues.\n\nUse structured root-cause analysis methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, fault-tree analysis, and design of experiments.\n\nDevelop corrective and preventive actions that address the underlying process failure rather than only the immediate defect.\n\nSupport first article inspections, process validations, customer audits, and internal quality audits.\n\nMonitor defect trends, first-pass yield, rework, scrap, process capability, and other key manufacturing indicators.\n\nWork with Quality Engineering to establish measurable process controls and ensure continued compliance.\n\nProvide technical input for material review board decisions, deviations, and rework instructions.\n\nMaintain the traceability and documentation discipline required for aerospace and defense products.\n\nNew Product Introduction and Production Support\n\nParticipate in new product introduction reviews to identify manufacturing risks before production release.\n\nReview customer documentation, bills of material, drawings, assembly notes, and special process requirements for manufacturability.\n\nDevelop manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, profiles, and work instructions for new products.\n\nSupport prototype, pilot, first article, and production builds.\n\nProvide timely technical support to Production when process issues affect WIP movement, schedule performance, or product quality.\n\nCoordinate process trials and ensure engineering activities are completed with minimal disruption to production.\n\nTrain operators, technicians, inspectors, and supervisors on new or revised processes.\n\nMaintain a visible presence on the production floor and work directly with employees performing the processes.\n\nPerformance Measures\n\nPerformance for this position may include:\n\nFirst-pass yield\n\nDefect and escape reduction\n\nRework and scrap reduction\n\nConformal coating defect rate\n\nPolymerics cycle time and throughput\n\nProcess capability and repeatability\n\nLabor efficiency and standard-hour accuracy\n\nOn-time completion of corrective actions\n\nCost savings from approved process improvements\n\nSuccessful qualification and release of new processes\n\nReduction in manufacturing constraints and WIP aging\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.\n\nThree or more years of process or manufacturing engineering experience in PCBA production, electronics manufacturing, or a comparable high-reliability environment.\n\nWorking knowledge of SMT, reflow, soldering, cleaning, inspection, rework, and PCBA assembly processes.\n\nExperience supporting IPC Class 3 or similarly regulated, high-reliability products.\n\nDemonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify process variation, and implement measurable improvements.\n\nExperience performing labor, material, yield, scrap, and process cost analysis.\n\nAbility to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of material, assembly instructions, customer specifications, and technical data sheets.\n\nStrong root-cause analysis, troubleshooting, technical writing, and project-management skills.\n\nProficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data-analysis and reporting tools.\n\nAbility to communicate effectively with production employees, engineers, managers, customers, and suppliers.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\n\nExperience manufacturing aerospace, defense, spaceflight, medical, or other high-reliability PCBAs.\n\nHands-on experience with conformal coating, masking, dispensing, staking, underfill, encapsulation, or potting processes.\n\nFamiliarity with IPC-A-610 Class 3 and J-STD-001 Class 3 requirements.\n\nFamiliarity with IPC-CC-830, coating material requirements, and aerospace-specific conformal coating specifications.\n\nExperience working within an AS9100-certified quality management system.\n\nCertification as an IPC Specialist, Trainer, or equivalent.\n\nLean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or statistical process control experience.\n\nExperience with automated conformal coating equipment, selective coating systems, dispensing systems, UV inspection, and curing equipment.\n\nExperience with PFMEA, control plans, design of experiments, process capability analysis, and gauge repeatability and reproducibility studies.\n\nExperience developing capital equipment justifications and return-on-investment analyses.\n\nWork Environment\n\nThis position operates primarily in an electronics manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production equipment, chemicals, coatings, adhesives, and curing processes. The Process Engineer must be able to follow all ESD, safety, chemical-handling, personal protective equipment, and controlled-process requirements.\n\nThe position requires regular time on the manufacturing floor, including observing processes, conducting trials, collecting data, troubleshooting equipment, and working directly with operators and technicians.\n\nITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.\n\nRocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.\n#zr","datePosted":"2026-08-29T10:45:29.018Z","dateModified":"2026-08-29T10:45:29.018Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Rocketems","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Carson City","addressRegion":"NV","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"d4de215a60e736f7e455c8ef"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d4de215a60e736f7e455c8ef"}}