Job Title: PCB Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
The PCB Manufacturing Engineer supports printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturing operations and drives continuous improvement initiatives across the production environment. This role partners closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to optimize SMT assembly processes, ensure high product quality, and enable successful new product introductions and product launches. The position offers the opportunity to work with complex, high-reliability electronics in a stable organization that invests in advanced manufacturing technologies and supports professional growth into leadership roles.
Responsibilities
Support and improve PCB and PCBA manufacturing processes with a strong focus on SMT assembly, production efficiency, and yield enhancement.
Collaborate with design engineers to review PCB designs and provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback during product development to ensure robust and efficient production.
Develop, update, and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, bills of materials (BOMs), routers, and engineering change documentation (ECOs).
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues on the production floor, perform root cause analysis of defects and quality problems, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Support new product introductions (NPI), including validation of processes and smooth transition of products from development into full-scale production.
Work closely with production and quality teams to resolve process, assembly, and component-related challenges in a timely and effective manner.
Analyze manufacturing data and process metrics to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and productivity gains.
Assist with process validation, optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and SPC.
Support configuration management and document control processes to ensure accurate and current manufacturing documentation.
Provide technical support for SMT, AOI, and X-ray inspection equipment, including process optimization and resolution of equipment-related issues.
Apply knowledge of IPC standards, ISO 9001, AS9100, and other relevant quality standards to maintain high-reliability electronic assembly practices.
Participate in cross-functional projects and project management activities related to manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and new product launch.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing enhancements to manufacturing processes, workflows, and quality systems.
Essential Skills
Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
3+ years of experience in PCB, PCBA, or electronics manufacturing environments.
Hands-on PCB and PCBA manufacturing engineering experience, particularly in supporting PCB assembly operations.
Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, including solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, and through-hole assembly.
Experience providing Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and working between design engineering and production teams.
Proven experience with root cause analysis, troubleshooting manufacturing defects, and implementing corrective actions to improve quality and yield.
Ability to create and maintain BOMs, work instructions, routers, process flows, and engineering change documentation.
Familiarity with IPC standards and electronic manufacturing best practices, including working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and other ISO standards.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in engineering, quality, and production.
Experience with process improvement, manufacturing process optimization, and continuous improvement in a production environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SMT manufacturing equipment, including automated optical inspection (AOI) and X-ray inspection systems, and SMT programming equipment.
Knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software for manufacturing and engineering applications.
Experience working with ERP and MRP systems to support manufacturing operations and material planning.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies.
Experience in high-reliability electronics manufacturing environments, such as aerospace, medical device, or other regulated industries.
in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, and project management related to assembly operations.
Familiarity with quality systems and standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and broader ISO standards.
Experience with tools and systems such as AEGIS or similar manufacturing execution and documentation platforms.
Exposure to medical device or other high-complexity, high-reliability product manufacturing is beneficial.
Interest in professional growth with the potential to advance into leadership roles in engineering.
Work Environment
The role is based on an open floor plan within a manufacturing environment, providing direct visibility and access to PCB assembly operations, SMT lines, AOI and X-ray inspection systems, and other production equipment. The organization is family-owned and offers long-term stability, with a track record of no layoffs over more than 30 years. The facility invests in cutting-edge manufacturing technology and focuses on complex, high-reliability electronics products. The culture emphasizes employee development, collaboration between engineering, quality, and production teams, and provides opportunities to advance into leadership positions. Work is primarily performed on the manufacturing floor and in adjacent engineering and documentation areas, with a professional, safety-conscious atmosphere and adherence to established quality and process standards
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $55.29/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
