Director of Engineering Position Summary The Director of Engineering oversees all process/manufacturing engineering functions within a high-mix, high-reliability PCBA manufacturing environment producing Class 3 aerospace and mission-critical assemblies . This role leads PCBA manufacturing engineering, process engineering, NPI, DFM/DFX, sustaining engineering, and automation/continuous improvement initiatives. The Director ensures that all engineering processes comply with IPC, J-STD, AS9100, and aerospace customer addendums while optimizing manufacturability, quality, cost, and throughput.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy 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 for IPC-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.

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 with AS9100 .

Manage engineering change control (ECOs), configuration management, and revision control. Automation & Continuous Improvement 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.

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 Addendums IPC-A-610 Class 3 AS9100D IPC-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 USD 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.