What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Engineering Specialist position at adtran?
Welcome! Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities! Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! Thanks for your interest in working on our team! Job Summary We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Specialist to support and optimize back-end electronics manufacturing processes, including press-fit operations, mechanical PCB assembly, and full box build integration. This role will be responsible for press-fit program development, tooling design, process validation, and continuous improvement across mechanical and electromechanical assembly lines. The ideal candidate will bring 3–5 years of experience in electronics manufacturing and possess hands-on knowledge of press-fit technology, fixture/tooling development, BOM management, and assembly documentation. This role is critical in ensuring high-quality, repeatable processes that meet production throughput and reliability requirements. Duties and Responsibilities Process Development & Ownership Develop, validate, and maintain back-end manufacturing processes, including: Press-fit insertion operations Mechanical PCB assembly Box build and final system integration Establish and document standard work instructions, process flows, and control plans Define critical process parameters and ensure adherence to product specifications and customer requirements Press-Fit Program & Tooling Development Develop and optimize press-fit programs including force monitoring windows, insertion profiles, and compliance limits Design, specify, and validate press-fit tooling and fixtures (nests, supports, alignment guides) Ensure coplanarity, hole alignment, and mechanical integrity meet engineering drawing requirements Analyze insertion force data and troubleshoot defects such as bent pins, incomplete insertion, or board damage Assembly Tooling & Fixture Design Design and implement custom assembly tooling and fixtures for PCB and box build processes Partner with internal teams or external vendors for tool fabrication and qualification Improve ergonomics, repeatability, and poka-yoke features within assembly processes Support preventive maintenance and calibration of fixtures and tooling New Product Introduction (NPI) & Production Launch Lead manufacturing engineering activities during NPI builds and product launches Review and validate Bills of Material (BOM), assembly drawings, and work instructions for manufacturability Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) improvements Support first article builds, line validation, and readiness reviews BOM & Documentation Management Interpret and validate multi-level BOMs, assembly drawings, and mechanical schematics Ensure alignment between engineering releases and manufacturing processes Validate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and implement updates on the production floor Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement Diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues related to: Press-fit defects Mechanical tooling Assembly variation Drive improvements in First Pass Yield (FPY), DPMO, and Overall Tooling/Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and variation Quality & Compliance Ensure processes meet applicable standards such as IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and customer-specific requirements Support internal and external audits Partner with Quality Engineering to resolve non-conformances and implement corrective actions Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Test Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production Interface with suppliers for tooling, materials, and process improvements Provide technical support and training to production operators and technicians Data Analysis & Reporting Analyze manufacturing data using MES systems, SPC tools, and Excel-based reporting Track key performance indicators and provide regular process performance updates Use data-driven insights to support decision-making and process improvements Other projects and assignments may result and be assigned to accommodate the changing needs of the department and the Company. Qualifications Basic Qualifications 3–5 years of experience in electronics manufacturing or related engineering role Hands-on experience with: Press-fit processes and tooling Mechanical PCB assembly and box build Fixture and tooling design Strong ability to read and interpret BOMs, assembly drawings, and engineering documentation Experience with manufacturing process development and validation Proficiency with Excel, Word, and manufacturing systems (MES/SPC tools) Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills High school diploma or GED required. Associate degree in Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, or related field preferred. Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Preferred Qualifications (Optional) Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for tooling design 3D printed tooling design. Design and Programming. Familiarity with automation and semi-automated assembly systems Experience with DOE, SPC, and Six Sigma methodologies Exposure to high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments Adtran is a leading global provider of fiber-based networking solutions and SaaS applications, focused on the broadband access market. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from the metro core to the customer premises, enabling network providers to deliver Gigabit broadband to every home and business. Our vision is to enable a fully connected world where the power to communicate is available to everyone, everywhere. At Adtran, we believe in our people. With a diverse and inclusive team spread across the globe, our culture embraces creativity and seeks innovation and quality in everything we do. Built on a foundation of communication, trust, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit enables us to be a global technology leader and a strong customer advocate. Adtran began operations in January 1986. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Adtran is located in Cummings Research Park - the second-largest research park in the U.S. and fourth-largest in the world. Our mailing address is 901 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama, 35806. Adtran, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adtran Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN and FSE: QH9). Find out more at adtran.com, or follow our story on LinkedIn and Twitter.