Director of Engineering

Key Responsibilities: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team (SMT Process, Manufacturing, New Product Introduction, and Automation).Drive engineering strategy aligned with company objectives for quality, cost, yield, and delivery. Serve as the technical authority forIPC-J-STD-001 Class 3 , IPC-A-610 Class 3 , IPC-7711/7721, and aerospace process controls.

Manufacturing / Process Engineering: Own company-wide engineering initiatives across all PCBA manufacturing functional areas, including build readiness reviews and standardization efforts. Ensure process qualification and documentation aligns withJ-STD-001 Space & Military Addendumand applicable aerospace customer requirements. Establish and maintain process windows, control plans, PFMEAs, and validation reports.

New Product Introduction (NPI): Lead DFM/DFX reviews, tooling design, stencil strategy, and prototype builds. Oversee creation of travelers, BOM validation, build instructions, and work instructions in compliance withAS9100 .Manage engineering change control (ECOs), configuration management, and revision control. Lead LEAN/CI programs focused on waste reduction, defect elimination, and throughput improvement. Collaborate closely with Quality Engineering to address defects, root cause investigations, and MRB activities. Implement process monitoring, SPC, and industry 4.0 tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Production, Quality, Program Management, Supply Chain, and SMT departments. Provide engineering support during customer audits, FAIs, PFMEAs, and technical reviews. Partner with external suppliers on polymerics, tooling, fixtures, materials, and new process technologies.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).10-15+ years in PCBA manufacturing engineering with at least 10+ years in a leadership role. Deep knowledge of: IPC-J-STD-001 Class 3 & Space/Military AddendumsIPC-A-610 Class 3AS9100DIPC-7351, 7711/7721, 2221 Experience with aerospace, defense, medical, or other high-reliability electronics. Strong background in SMT (printing, placement, reflow), AOI/AXI, DFM/DFX, Rework, Chemical Wash, Polymerics, and test strategies. Excellent leadership, communication, and technical decision-making abilities. Pay Range $150,000 - $200,000 USDITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization. Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.