Lead Manufacturing Engineer (PCBA)

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Lead Manufacturing Engineer (PCBA)

Impulse Space

140,000–180,000 / Year

Location

Redondo Beach

Experience

Senior

Posted

Jul 30, 2026

Apply by

August 29, 2026

Applicants

0

Early applicantEasy applyFull-timeWork from Office

Job Description

As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer (PCBA), you will provide leadership and mentorship to a team of PCBA manufacturing engineers. You will own PCBA manufacturing across the company for all our products. Your leadership will directly impact the performance and reliability of all vehicles we send into orbit. Leveling will be commensurate with experience. ### Responsibilities - Recruit and lead a team of PCBA manufacturing engineers, including providing mentorship and developing the team. - Provide guidance to a team of manufacturing engineers on writing work instructions for board assembly, solder rework, inspection and acceptance testing. - Implement processes to streamline the manufacturing process while improving rate, quality and reliability. - Set up and run an SMT line to support both development and production objectives. - Build up acceptance testing (ATP) capability of PCBAs, including functional and environmental testing. - Lead the effort in collaborating with design engineers to ensure manufacturability and provide input in PDR and CDR reviews. - Lead the effort to optimize production rate, yield and cost of PCBA production. - Ensure timely delivery of PCBAs to box-level assembly. - Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in PCBA manufacturing to drive innovation. ### Minimum Qualifications - Bachelors' degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field - 6+ years of demonstrated PCBA manufacturing experience (or related field), preferably in a high-reliability environment. - 3+ years of experience in a people management role - Strong track record of and commitment to developing and mentoring people - Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and materials used in PCBA manufacturing. ### Preferred Skills and Experience - MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field. - Experience with PCBA manufacturing for space applications. - Experience with setting up and running an SMT line - Experience with PCBA inspection techniques, such as X-ray/CT, AOI, flying probe, etc. - Experience with PCBA functional testing (software and firmware) and environmental testing for space applications (thermal cycling, vibration, thermal vacuum) Additional Information: Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR [here](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987). Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Key Responsibilities

  • Recruit and lead a team of PCBA manufacturing engineers, including providing mentorship and developing the team.
  • Provide guidance to a team of manufacturing engineers on writing work instructions for board assembly, solder rework, inspection and acceptance testing.
  • Implement processes to streamline the manufacturing process while improving rate, quality and reliability.
  • Set up and run an SMT line to support both development and production objectives.
  • Build up acceptance testing (ATP) capability of PCBAs, including functional and environmental testing.
  • Lead the effort in collaborating with design engineers to ensure manufacturability and provide input in PDR and CDR reviews.
  • Lead the effort to optimize production rate, yield and cost of PCBA production.
  • Ensure timely delivery of PCBAs to box-level assembly.
  • Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in PCBA manufacturing to drive innovation.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering or related field

Skills Required

PCBA manufacturingSMT line operationManufacturing process optimizationQuality assuranceAcceptance testingWork instruction developmentLeadershipMentorshipTeam developmentCollaborationPCBA manufacturing for space applicationsSMT line setup and operationPCBA inspection techniques (X-ray/CT, AOI, flying probe)PCBA functional testing (software and firmware)Environmental testing for space applications (thermal cycling, vibration, thermal vacuum)

Benefits

  • Stock options
  • Medical coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan

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