Senior Process Engineer

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Process Engineer leads manufacturing process development and continuous improvement initiatives within an electronics and semiconductor-focused environment. This role owns new product introduction activities from initial concept through production launch, optimizes SMT manufacturing processes, and serves as a key technical resource for production operations and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from initial introduction through successful production launch.

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, yield, and throughput.

• Troubleshoot complex process issues on SMT lines and drive effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Create, update, and maintain detailed work instructions and manufacturing documentation to support consistent production.

• Analyze production data, identify trends, and recommend process improvements based on quantitative findings.

• Support and conduct root cause investigations and failure analysis activities for process and product issues.

• Evaluate equipment, tooling, and manufacturing methods to ensure capability, reliability, and efficiency.

• Partner closely with quality, production, facilities, environmental health and safety, customers, and supply chain teams to support manufacturing objectives.

• Support operator training, including explaining new processes, procedures, and best practices for SMT manufacturing.

• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and meeting project deadlines.

• Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing operations, providing guidance on SMT processes, NPI, and process development.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using SPC, FMEA, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on SMT manufacturing experience across the full process, including solder paste printing, pick and place, reflow, inspection, and rework.

• Experience with NPI (New Product Introduction) and process development for electronics or semiconductor products.

• Experience supporting PCBA or circuit card assembly environments.

• Ability to independently make sound technical decisions based on prior SMT manufacturing experience and failure analysis.

• Strong knowledge of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design of Experiments (DOE), Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies.

• Strong root cause analysis and troubleshooting skills for complex manufacturing and process issues.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is preferred.

• Experience working with cleanroom or controlled manufacturing environments.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including quality, production, facilities, EHS, customers, and supply chain.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously.

• Experience supporting operator training and process implementation on SMT lines.

Work Environment

The role operates in a high-technology manufacturing environment focused on SMT processes and electronics or semiconductor production. You will work closely with SMT lines covering solder paste printing, pick and place, reflow, inspection, and rework, and may support activities in cleanroom or controlled areas. The position involves regular collaboration with quality, production, facilities, environmental health and safety, customers, and supply chain teams, requiring clear communication and coordination. Work typically follows standard full-time hours, with periods of higher activity during new product introductions and major process changes. The environment emphasizes data-driven decision-making, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, and capability studies. Appropriate manufacturing attire and adherence to all safety and EHS protocols are expected while working on the production floor and around equipment and tooling.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $87000.00 - $105000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 21, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.