Hybrid Electronics Process Engineer

Hybrid Electronics Process Engineer

Location: San Jose, California 95131

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Company Overview

NextFlex is America's Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing Innovation Institute, and the place where breakthrough electronics move from idea to impact.

As a national innovation institute backed by both industry leaders and the U.S. Government, we bring together the people, partners, and capabilities needed to push the boundaries of how electronics are designed, manufactured, and scaled. Our mission is clear: accelerate technologies that make electronics smarter, lighter, additively manufactured, and ready for the real world. From healthcare wearables and advanced communications to aerospace, automotive, industrial systems, and agriculture, NextFlex helps transform emerging technologies into solutions that strengthen American competitiveness and unlock new possibilities across industries.

Innovation does not mean just technology, it requires talent. That is why NextFlex's Education and Workforce Development team helps shape the next generation of the U.S. advanced manufacturing workforce, supporting learners from K–12 students through experienced professionals seeking to upskill, retrain, and lead in the future of U.S. manufacturing.

At NextFlex, you will join a collaborative team driven by mission, momentum, and measurable results. We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a work environment where you can grow your career while helping build what's next.

Position Summary

This is a hands-on role where you'll be developing, dialing in, and scaling hybrid electronics manufacturing processes using cutting-edge print technologies like screen printing, gravure offset, and aerosol jet, alongside automated assembly tools. You'll be working in our Tech Hub, owning equipment and processes end-to-end, and seeing your work move from concept to physical product.

You will play a critical role in bringing new devices to life – working directly with designers to establish design-for-manufacturing (DfM) key criteria, defining process parameters and publish instructions, and collaborating with the manufacturing team to build and refine the product. When something doesn't work, you will work to identify, diagnose and resolve the issues, improving reliability and performance.

To move these technologies from prototype and pilot builds into production, you will use analytical tools and real manufacturing data to drive decisions and clearly communicate results to the team.

You do not need to be a printing or electronics assembly expert on day one. If you bring technical curiosity and strong problem-solving skills, we will train you to use the tools and follow the processes. What matters most is your willingness to learn, experiment, and take ownership.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, optimize, and validate manufacturing processes for hybrid electronics, flexible circuits, and printed or embedded components.
• Own troubleshooting on the production floor—quickly diagnosing and resolving equipment, materials, and process issues.
• Analyze mechanical, electrical, and process data to uncover trends, improve yields, and drive continuous performance gains.
• Design and build custom manufacturing fixturing using CAD tools to enable repeatable, scalable production.
• Program and operate advanced fabrication tools, including robotic systems (e.g., Fanuc), laser platforms (e.g., LPKF), and optical inspection equipment.
• Create clear, practical manufacturing documentation and best practices for pilot and low-volume production across tools, processes, and materials.
• Train and mentor teammates on manufacturing best practices, including inkjet printing, optical inspection, and electrical testing.
• Work directly with vendors and technology partners to track emerging capabilities and continuously improve manufacturing performance.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for data-driven print tools (e.g., inkjet), owning program development, process optimization, characterization, supplier coordination, and spare parts strategy.
• Contribute to both tactical execution and long-term strategy for Fab Operations through active participation in technical and planning discussions.
• Maintain a safe, disciplined, and high-performance manufacturing environment at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering related field, or relevant experience.
• Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Expedition.
• Experience with additive or subtractive fabrication processes.
• Hands-on experience with precision instruments and inspection equipment.
• Communication skills in written and oral capacity to accurately report and describe activities and status.

Preferred Qualifications

The following skills are considered a plus:

1. Experience with reading and interpreting electrical device layouts or schematics.
2. Experience with print processes, preferably using electronic materials.
3. Experience with manufacturing process development.
4. Experience with material science basics (polymers, inks, substrates, adhesives).
5. Experience with production equipment (setup, calibration, troubleshooting).
6. Basic to intermediate programming skills (e.g., Python, G-code).
7. Experience with statistical or analytical software (e.g., Minitab, MATLAB, ANSYS).
8. Experience with failure analysis including root cause analysis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Although the primary job function involves computer work, the employee would be expected to spend large amounts of time in the Fab / Cleanroom. Most of the time would be spent on the operation of processing tools, including routine operations-level programming, and the use of test equipment including collecting and analyzing data and reporting results.

On-site office work will be conducted using typical office equipment and includes substantial sitting and is performed primarily in a typical indoor office setting with cubicles, offices, and conference rooms. Low to moderate noise and interruptions typical of an office setting, such as peer conversations, computers, printers, and phones.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Travel Requirements

N/A

Work Authorization / Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

NextFlex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status of protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.