Manufacturing Engineer, PCBA

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer, PCBALocation: Lake Forest, CASalary: $85,000 - 105,000Requirements: PCBA, assembly, SMT (surface mount), through-hole, soldering, rework, quality, test, documentation, BOMPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) to optimize and support high-quality, high-volume surface mount technology (SMT) production. The role focuses on process development, production support, test and troubleshooting, documentation and continuous improvement to ensure reliable assembly, compliance with BOM and PCB requirements, and efficient manufacturability.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, validate and document PCBA assembly processes for SMT and through-hole operations to meet product requirements and production targets.Create, review and maintain manufacturing documentation including process flow, work instructions, assembly drawings, and equipment setup guides.Collaborate with design, procurement and test teams to review BOMs, PCB layouts and component placement for manufacturability and cost-effective assembly.Support production ramp-up and sustainment: establish process windows, yields, equipment parameters, and qualification protocols for new products and revisions.Troubleshoot production issues (soldering defects, placement errors, reflow problems, component failures) and lead root cause analysis with corrective and preventive actions.Develop and maintain in-circuit, functional and automated test strategies; work with test engineering to design test fixtures and procedures.Optimize manufacturing lines for throughput, quality and efficiency using data-driven continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) methodologies.Train production technicians and operators on assembly processes, inspection criteria, and test procedures; drive best practices on the shop floor.Manage spare parts, tooling requirements and vendor relationships for SMT equipment; coordinate preventive maintenance and process calibrations.Ensure compliance with IPC standards, product specifications, regulatory requirements and internal quality systems during assembly and test.QualificationsBachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.3+ years of hands-on experience with PCBA manufacturing and SMT assembly processes in a production environment.Strong understanding of PCB layout, BOM structure, component types, and implications for manufacturing and test.Experience with solder reflow, wave soldering, pick-and-place machines, stencil design, and assembly line equipment.Proven ability to troubleshoot assembly and test failures, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.Familiarity with test methods including in-circuit test (ICT), functional test, boundary scan and automated optical inspection (AOI).Experience writing and maintaining manufacturing documentation, work instructions and Bills of Materials (BOM).Proficiency with manufacturing and process tools (yield analysis, SPC, MES, CAD for PCB/assembly) and continuous improvement techniques.Excellent communication, cross-functional collaboration and training skills; attention to detail and a quality-driven mindset.IPC certifications (e.g., IPC-A-610) or Lean/Six Sigma certifications are a plus.BenefitsCompetitive salaryFull Benefits401k PTOCareer growth