SMT Process Engineer

Nerostechnologies · Torrance, California, United States · Engineering

Posted 2026-09-11

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Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

As an SMT Process Engineer, you will be responsible for defining and controlling processes in a fast-paced, high-volume PCB assembly environment. Your day-to-day will consist of providing front-line support to technicians and operators, while working to reduce scrap rates and implementing corrective and preventive measures.

In this highly dynamic role, you will have the opportunity to work with the best-in-class assembly equipment. This role will own NPI, equipment programming, process development, and play a critical role in providing DFM feedback to the Neros' Design Engineering team.

Responsibilities

Programming equipment used in the automated assembly of high-density PCBAs, including but not limited to screen printers, pick and place, reflow ovens, and inspection systems

Specify and order tooling, including stencils

Develop and maintain quality plans, SOPs, and other process documentation, as well as provide training to the operational staff

Provide front-line support to day-to-day operations of the SMT line(s) by fixing line defects, reducing scrap rates, and implementing CAPA

Provide DFM feedback to engineering regarding designs and support scale up from prototype to NPI to high-volume production builds

You should have the following

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience directly supporting SMT PCBA assembly in a highly automated environment

Knowledge of SPC, and DFM experience related to SMT and thru hole PCBAs

Clear understanding of IPC-A-610, and J-STD-001 requirements

Nice to have

Lean Six Sigma certification

Experience qualifying new capital equipment

Experience auditing raw material suppliers (solder paste, PWBs)

J-STD-001 certified trainer

Knowledge in operating, planar 3D, or CT scanner

US Salary Range

$115,500 - $162,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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