Principal Process Engineer

$113,385 - $176,030/Yr

Leonardo DRS - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Diego, CA

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Process Development Engineer at DRS Daylight Solutions is responsible for supporting the development of laser modules from initial design through production. This role involves manufacturing analysis, fixture development, and integration of robotic tooling, requiring a strong understanding of optical/laser products and systems. The engineer will work with a multi-disciplinary team to execute prototyping, calculations, FMEA, builds, testing, capacity planning, and process development, while also documenting changes and implementing improvements in the lab.

Responsibilities

• Develop systematic processes for various laser packaging technologies (soldering, wire bonding, lid welding, adhesive bonding, hermeticity testing).
• Validate design intent and optimize manufacturability.
• Hands-on support of initial engineering prototype and production lasers builds.
• Work with design engineers to ensure manufacturability of new products.
• Troubleshoot engineering issues with root cause analysis.
• Use SolidWorks and other design/analysis software.
• Perform statistical processing to establish control limits and monitor processes.
• Document manufacturing processes to support new products and lifecycle changes (Work Instructions, ECO's, and TDN's).
• Create and conduct validation test plans to qualify process changes.
• Execute process improvements using lean manufacturing and six sigma methodologies.
• Integrate information technologies with shop floor processes.
• Support 5S, housekeeping and cleanliness standards throughout manufacturing.
• Set up data collection, analysis, and feedback to improve process performance.
• Design and implement process and production control methods, including identification, tracking and analysis (JMP, Minitab) of key process variables, KPP Capability Analysis, Cpk.
• Construct and execute controlled experiments (DOE and Gage R & R) to address yield, quality, and equipment issues.
• Purchase, fabricate, build, and test prototypes to retire key development risks.
• Interface with suppliers to evaluate new production equipment options and facilitate selection.
• Assist MFG team on the design and implementation of production lines, work cells, fixtures, and other production equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering field with 8+ years progressively complex engineering experience or equivalent combination of education/training and experience.
• May require advanced degree or certifications.
• Specialties may include production, industrial, welding, tooling, testing, processing, and robotics.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to work independently as well as with a team, providing regular reports on progress and status.
• Ability to work on projects in parallel.
• Good organization, able to balance lab work, meetings, and design work.
• Communicate clearly (written and oral) with other company personnel and customers as required, documenting analysis, test results, and design reviews.
• Support, communicate, reenforce and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k match
• 9/80 work schedule
• Tuition Assistance