Founding Manufacturing Engineer
About the Company
A fast‑growing electronics manufacturing startup based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, on a mission to make U.S.‑based Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design and manufacturing fast, reliable, and accessible. The company uses AI to automate PCB design and is building its first in‑house manufacturing facility to streamline the entire process from design to production. With over $10M raised from top venture investors, they currently design PCBs for leading quantum computing companies, robotics startups, and Fortune 100 organizations.
Why This Work Matters
New Product Introduction (NPI) is one of the biggest bottlenecks in American electronics. Traditional prototyping is slow, expensive, and inefficient—requiring dozens of emails, long delays, and costs that can range from $1,000 to $10,000+ for even simple boards. This slows down innovation and makes it difficult to bring new products to market.
This company is changing that by:
- Designing PCBs with manufacturing in mind from day one
- Building an in‑house factory equipped with advanced SMT (surface mount technology) machinery
- Automating recipe building and machine programming through AI
By manufacturing the boards they design, they can deliver working prototypes faster and pave the way for scalable production.
Role: Founding Manufacturing Engineering-PCBA
As the company’s first manufacturing hire, you’ll run the SMT production line and help define how the organization manufactures PCBs from the ground up. This is a hands‑on, high‑impact role where you’ll operate equipment, perform rework, assist with assembly, and collaborate with software engineers to automate traditional manufacturing processes.
You’ll work with equipment such as:
- Mycronic pick‑and‑place
- Solder Jet Printer
- ITW Stencil Printer
- Heller reflow oven
- Additional state‑of‑the‑art SMT tools
You’ll help build AI‑powered tools that auto‑generate machine programs, troubleshoot production issues, create process improvements, and establish quality standards as the company scales.
This is not a typical contract manufacturing job—you’ll directly shape how modern electronics manufacturing evolves in the U.S.
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- Hands‑on experience running SMT lines (stencil printers, pick‑and‑place, reflow ovens, cleaning systems)
- Strong soldering and rework skills (through‑hole + SMT)
- Ability to troubleshoot issues independently and think creatively
- Comfort working in a fast‑paced startup environment
- Willingness to get hands‑on with all aspects of production (rework, packing, kitting, queue management)
- Ability to collaborate effectively with software engineers
Bonus Experience:
- Familiarity with Mycronic, Essemtec, Heller, or similar SMT machines
- Knowledge of AS9100 or ISO quality systems
- Experience in low‑volume/high‑mix or NPI environments
- Interest in automation, AI, or manufacturing tooling
- Passion for rebuilding American electronics manufacturing
Why This Role Is Unique
Unlike traditional SMT technician roles, here you will:
- Build from zero — establish processes, set standards, and eventually help hire the team.
- Work with cutting‑edge technology — AI‑driven automation, modern SMT tools, and a brand‑new facility.
- Collaborate closely with engineers — your feedback directly shapes the software being built.
- Drive real impact — help bring fast, reliable electronics manufacturing back to the U.S.
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary (above market)
- Meaningful equity in a fast‑growing startup
- Full medical, dental, and vision
- 401(k)
- Daily free lunch and dinner
- Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, one of NYC’s top innovation hubs
Salary: $95,000-$110,000