Sr Manufacturing Process Engineer - PCB, NPI, Lean, Quality & Process Control, Team Lead (Contract Mfg. a +)

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

This role is onsite in Gray, Maine. Candidates who are motivated to relocate are welcome to apply - assistance is available.

KORE1, a nationwide provider of staffing and recruiting solutions, has an immediate opening for a Sr Manufacturing Process Engineer - PCB, NPI, Lean, Quality & Process Control, Team Lead (Contract Mfg. a )

We are seeking a high-energy, results-driven Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer - Printed Circuit Board Assemblies to lead and mentor the assembly of printed circuit boards. This is a hands-on, senior-level role where you will guide process development, improve product yields, and ensure manufacturing excellence. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-speed, high-output environment, is a self-starter, and enjoys mentoring a team while driving process improvements.

Role Overview

As a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer - PCB, you will employ your extensive knowledge of production techniques to develop and document manufacturing processes for electronic assemblies assigned to you, ensuring reliable, high-quality assemblies at the lowest possible cost. You will balance a combination of new product introduction and process improvement, while providing technical guidance and leadership to your peers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing process technologies, methods, and techniques to build reliable, high-quality assemblies efficiently.
• Develop and maintain product assembly procedures for PCBA and cable assemblies.
• Provide consultation to new product development teams regarding manufacturing capabilities, techniques, and design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA).
• Provide professional, organized, and quantifiable feedback to internal teams and customers.
• Assist in preparing new product cost estimates including applicable NRE.
• Identify, specify, validate, document, implement, and train on new equipment and processes.
• Evaluate and onboard manufacturing equipment; onboarding experience is helpful.
• Design production equipment and fixtures to aid in assembly while improving operator safety, reducing labor, and improving quality.
• Provide technical oversight and training in PCBA manufacturing techniques to manufacturing associates.
• Maintain reliable and safe manufacturing systems while improving production rates, efficiencies, yields, changeovers, and costs.
• Investigate and diagnose product manufacturing issues and respond to requests for changes and improvements.
• Draft service and repair processes.
• Coordinate the implementation of product design changes.
• Collect, record, and present data applicable to project status in production.
• Work with the team to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Integrate lean manufacturing methodologies to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Mentor, guide, and inspire team members, promoting best practices and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Contract manufacturing experience is a strong plus, including supporting both in-house designs and customer-driven projects, reverse-engineering, and design-for-manufacturing improvements.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant manufacturing or NPI experience, including experience with design & assembly of PCBAs.
• Strong background in electrical and/or mechanical engineering.
• Hands-on experience with PCBA assembly: surface mount technology (SMT) - required, through-hole - required, selective soldering, hand soldering, AOI, laser marking, mini-wave soldering, conformal coating, and/or board washing (any of these others are helpful)
• IPC 610 or IPC 600 certification is highly desirable.
• Ability to draft processes clearly so others can follow and implement effectively.
• Expertise in statistical process control (SPC), design of experiments, and test analysis to control output and improve first-pass yield (>95%).
• Experience with process validation and reliability analysis.
• Proficiency in 2D CAD, SolidWorks preferred.
• Familiarity with PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and other risk assessment tools.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of the safety, quality, delivery matrix in a high-output environment
• Strong people skills and ability to gain the respect of a team, mentor, and guide junior engineers and operators.
• Comfortable in a contract manufacturing environment, supporting both in-house designs and customer-driven projects, including reverse-engineering and design-for-manufacturing improvements.
• Customer-focused with the ability to manage the entire product portfolio, including equipment, jigs, and fixtures.

Nice to Have

• IPC certifications (IPC 610/600)
• Experience with PFMEA, process onboarding, or equipment introduction
• Prior mentoring or leadership experience, even if not in a formal title
• Experience with high-speed, high-volume electronics assembly

Compensation depends on experience but is typically $75-125K plus an undefined bonus based on company/individual performance. However, we are willing to send qualified candidates over budget.