About the job
Join Our Mission at Northwood Space:
At Northwood Space, we're dedicated to creating a revolutionary data highway that connects Earth with space, making the wonders of space accessible to everyone through cutting-edge space communication technologies. If you're passionate about rapid development and seeing your contributions make a global impact, we invite you to join our innovative team.
Your Role:
As a Lead SMT Process Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in developing and scaling our in-house PCB assembly capabilities. You will oversee the entire board assembly process, establish assembly standards, and set up the PCB assembly area while building a talented team to support these efforts. Collaborating with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Production, you will ensure our electronics manufacturing processes are robust, scalable, and seamlessly integrated with our factory operations.
This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who excels in process development, factory setup, equipment selection, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Take ownership of the in-house SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process from prototype to production.
Define and implement process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship.
Integrate PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking with our manufacturing systems.
Lead the design and execution of the PCB assembly area, considering layout, material flow, and scalability.
Specify, source, and implement necessary equipment and infrastructure for PCB assembly, including:
SMT line equipment
Inspection tools
Rework tools
ESD/anti-static controls
Benches, tooling, fixtures, and storage solutions
Facility requirements including power, cooling, and compressed air
Develop comprehensive manufacturing processes for various stages including solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair.
Generate process documentation such as work instructions, process flows, training materials, control plans, and acceptance criteria.
Establish quality standards and inspection methodologies for assembled boards.
