RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Process/Manufacturing of Space Flight Electronics

San Antonio, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

A team of engineers and technicians in SwRI's Space Sector who facilitate space science research through the fabrication and inspection of electronic printed circuit boards for spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication of the Space Systems Division, contributing to the exploration and research of space, advancing scientific knowledge, and safeguarding our nation's security. This role involves the fabrication of printed circuit boards in a low-volume, high mix R&D environment to meet wide-ranging requirements from quick turn prototypes to space-flight certified electronics with meticulous attention to detail. The engineer will function as a contributing member of a Fabrication team, providing guidance and expertise to area personnel, establishing new processes, and providing ongoing process improvements, root cause analysis, and corrective/prevention actions in an R&D engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain space flight hardware PCB assembly processes, procedures and training that includes cleaning and soldering of both Surface Mount and through hole electronics to IPC-A-610 Class 3 and IPC-J-Std-001 w/Flight Addendum standards.
• Responsible for the qualification, operation, preventative maintenance, trouble shooting and repair of area equipment to include solder jet pasting, pick and place, vapor phase reflow, selective soldering, component storage and optical monitoring equipment.
• Support Controlled Stores operations providing safe and effective storage and control of Program and Division components and inventory.
• Provide technical expertise in soldering and manufacturing techniques, methods and processes to fabrication technicians.
• Establish and perform process controls, measurements and product inspections.
• Documenting and reviewing Division Operating Processes and procedures including written work instructions.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering.
• Six Sigma, ANSI/ESD S20.20, IPC-J-STD-001, NASA 8739, Lean Manufacturing are preferred.
• 3+ years: PCB assembly and fabrication. Knowledge of electronic components, soldering and solder reflow principles and requirements, ESD control and mitigation. Knowledge of staking and coating processes and procedures.
• 3+ years: Possess strong troubleshooting skills and familiarity with defect analysis techniques.
• 3+ years: Experience and use of Designed Experiments, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, Lean and DfX.
• 3+ years: Experience with inventory control systems.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.