Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Job ID: 115665DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS’s Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business, we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance. Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.-Business Unit: EOISLocation: Cypress, CACareer Functional Area: Production OperationsRelocation Available: YesType: Exempt Full-timeSchedule: 9/80Shift: 1stJob SummaryPrincipal Manufacturing Engineer responsible for developing and sustaining hands-on microelectronics assembly processes in a cleanroom production environment. This is a working engineering role: the engineer will build parts, integrate and troubleshoot equipment, and support production at the bench. A key assignment is learning, executing, documenting, and improving the site’s precision focal plane array (FPA) mounting process using a custom manual alignment machine for micron-level alignment.Job ResponsibilitiesDevelop, qualify, document, and sustain precision microelectronics assembly processes; personally perform builds and process trials in the cleanroom to establish repeatable methods, controls, and acceptance criteria.Learn and execute the site’s FPA mounting process on a custom manual alignment machine; align delicate assemblies to micron-level requirements, verify results using appropriate metrology, and improve setup, fixturing, and work instructions.Integrate, set up, and validate manufacturing equipment, tooling, and inspection methods; partner with technicians, engineering, quality, and facilities to make new or modified equipment production-ready.Provide real-time production support at the point of use: troubleshoot assembly and alignment issues, investigate defects and yield loss, implement corrective actions, and train operators on stable, documented processes.Work directly in the cleanroom while following gowning, contamination-control, ESD, safety, and material-handling practices; build and handle sensitive hardware with care and maintain accurate build and process records.Lead cross-functional process-development efforts, including manufacturability reviews, build plans, work instructions, test and inspection requirements, process changes, and transition from engineering builds to repeatable production. Act independently on complex assignments and communicate technical risks and progress to stakeholders.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in an applicable engineering field with 8+ years progressively complex engineering experience or equivalent combination of education/training and experienceHands-on experience assembling complex microelectronics in a cleanroom manufacturing environment; comfortable personally building, inspecting, and troubleshooting delicate, high-precision parts rather than only directing others.Demonstrated experience developing and improving precision assembly and alignment processes, including hands-on use of fixtures, manual positioning or alignment tools, microscopes, and dimensional or optical metrology.Experience with manufacturing process development, equipment integration or qualification, and sustaining production support, with the ability to translate hands-on learning into clear work instructions and process controls.Working knowledge of cleanroom gowning, contamination control, ESD-safe handling, and traceable manufacturing documentation; willing and able to work regularly in a cleanroom and perform detailed bench-level assembly.U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.The salary range for this position is $119,940/year-$186,207/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. *Some employees are eligible for limited benefits onlyLeonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.