Manufacturing Engineer PCBA / SMT

As a trusted disruptor in the defense and aerospace industry, delivering end-to-end technology solutions that meet customers'''''''''''''''' mission-critical needs. Our Mason Space division designs and manufactures cutting-edge space avionics and satellite communication systems that enable humanity''''''''''''''''s exploration of the cosmos.

 

Our products fly on the Artemis missions returning humans to the Moon, support the International Space Station, and enable Mars exploration in partnership with NASA''''''''''''''''s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. When astronauts communicate from space, when satellites relay critical data, when rovers explore distant planets - our technology makes it possible. We''''''''''''''''re not just building hardware. We''''''''''''''''re building the future of space exploration.

 

Job Description:

 

We''''''''''''''''re seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our electronics manufacturing team and own critical PCBA/SMT processes that directly impact mission success. You''''''''''''''''ll be the technical expert for vapor phase soldering and other advanced electronics assembly processes, ensuring the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of space-grade hardware.

 

This is a high-impact role where your decisions affect hardware that operates in the harshest environment imaginable: space. You''''''''''''''''ll work with a highly skilled team of engineers and technicians, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and lead the introduction of cutting-edge automation and AI-enabled manufacturing technologies.

 

Why this role matters: The success of our space missions depends on the quality and reliability of the electronics you produce. If you thrive on solving complex technical problems, love hands-on engineering, and want to see your work launch into space, this is your opportunity.

 

Essential Functions:

 

Own Critical Manufacturing Processes:

• Serve as the technical authority for vapor phase soldering and other PCBA/SMT processes (reflow, wave solder, selective solder)

• Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet stringent aerospace quality standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)

• Troubleshoot complex production issues and implement root cause corrective actions

• Ensure design for manufacturability (DFM) principles are integrated from concept through production

 

Drive New Technology Introduction:

• Lead automation projects to improve efficiency and reduce labor-intensive manual processes

• Evaluate and implement AI-enabled process improvements (e.g., automated inspection, predictive maintenance)

• Collaborate with equipment vendors to integrate new manufacturing capabilities

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

 

Enable Cross-Functional Success:

• Partner with design engineers, quality, production, and supply chain to resolve manufacturing challenges

• Interface with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure seamless communication and execution

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation (work instructions, process specifications, training materials)

• Train and mentor production technicians on advanced assembly techniques