Lead, SMT Process Engineer

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

• Role:
• We are seeking a Lead SMT Process Engineer to build and scale our in-house PCB assembly capability. This person will be responsible for developing the full board assembly process, defining assembly standards, standing up the PCB assembly area, and building the team required to execute it. You will work cross-functionally with Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure our electronics manufacturing capability is robust, scalable, and tightly integrated into overall factory operations and systems.
• This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can move fluidly between process development, factory buildout, equipment selection, production readiness, and team building.

Responsibilities:

Develop and own the in-house SMT and PCB assembly manufacturing process from prototype through production

Define process standards for board assembly, inspection, rework, traceability, quality control, and workmanship

Establish how PCB assembly workflows, quality data, and production tracking integrate with Manufacturo and broader manufacturing systems

Lead the design and buildout of the PCB assembly area, including layout, material flow, operator flow, and future production scaling considerations

Specify, source, and implement equipment and infrastructure required for PCB assembly, including:

SMT line equipment

Inspection tools

Rework tools

ESD/anti-static controls

Benches, tooling, fixtures, and storage

Power, cooling, compressed air, and other facility needs

Develop manufacturing processes for solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection, hand assembly, rework, and repair

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

6+ years of experience in PCB assembly, SMT process engineering, electronics manufacturing, or related manufacturing roles

Experience developing and scaling SMT or PCB assembly processes in a production environment

Experience with PCB assembly equipment, inspection methods, and rework processes

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience standing up a new PCB assembly line or manufacturing area from scratch

Experience selecting and implementing SMT production equipment and supporting infrastructure

Experience integrating manufacturing processes with MES/MRP systems such as Manufacturo

Familiarity with IPC standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and related electronics manufacturing requirements

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., 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.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.