Director of Engineering

About the role

You govern end to end PCBA manufacturing for aerospace work, owning strategy, process discipline, and team leadership while safeguarding quality and delivery. This role designs and drives controls that protect reliability, compliance, and flow for mission critical assemblies. You translate demanding customer requirements into executable engineering standards and measurable outcomes. You establish the technical foundation that allows the organization to execute with precision and confidence. You will be accountable for the integrity of the manufacturing process from first article to full production. You ensure that every board built reflects the highest standards demanded by the industry. You act as the primary technical leader responsible for transforming customer expectations into robust, repeatable manufacturing systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

Setting engineering direction for SMT, manufacturing, and automation to align output with company quality and delivery targets.

Championing IPC-J-STD-001 Space, IPC-A-610 Class 3, IPC-7711/7721, and AS9100D through process controls and audits.

Architecting DFM/DFX reviews, tooling strategy, and prototype execution that de risk new product introduction.

Owning PFMEA, control plans, process windows and validation documentation for stable, capable manufacturing.

Driving LEAN programs that reduce waste, eliminate defects, and improve throughput across the factory floor.

Partnering with Quality to resolve defects, lead root cause efforts, and manage MRB and corrective actions.

Coordinating with Supply Chain and SMT teams to secure materials, tooling, and fixtures that satisfy demanding programs.

Preparing for and supporting customer audits, FAIs, and technical reviews with complete, traceable documentation.

Guiding automation opportunities and continuous improvement projects that enhance yield and reduce manual effort.

Working closely with Program Management, SMT, and external suppliers on polymerics, materials, and process technologies.

Driving the development of manufacturing deliverables that provide visibility and control across the production lifecycle.

Implementing measurement systems that track critical parameters and enable data driven decision making.

Championing a culture of safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence within the manufacturing environment.

Acting as the technical escalation path for complex issues that threaten schedule or compliance.

Requirements

You hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field, with preference for Master's level study.

You bring 10-15 years in PCBA manufacturing engineering, including at least 10 years in a leadership capacity.

You command deep knowledge of IPC-J-STD-001 Space & Military Addendums, IPC-A-610 Class 3, AS9100D, and IPC-7711/7721/2221.

You have proven experience in aerospace, defense, medical, or other high reliability electronics environments.

You demonstrate strong SMT skills covering printing, placement, reflow, AOI/AXI, rework, chemical wash, polymerics, and test strategies.

You excel at leadership, communication, and technical decision making under strict quality and schedule pressure.

You are capable of interpreting complex customer specifications and converting them into internal requirements.

You possess a track record of managing multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven setting.

Nice to have

Experience implementing industry 4.0 tools and SPC based process monitoring.

Skills & tools

IPC, J-STD, AS9100, DFM, SMT, AOI, AXI, LEAN, ECOS

About the company

Rocket EMS is a company focused on practical, efficient support for creative projects. The team works with artists and labels to move music from idea to release. They handle the details so creators can concentrate on their work. Their approach is grounded in real-world needs, not unnecessary complexity. They build processes that match the pace of modern recording and distribution. This allows partners to test ideas and bring projects to an audience without delay. Working with Transgressive Records, they supported the release of a notable album. That project arrived in multiple physical and digital forms. It reached listeners on vinyl, on disc, and as a digital file. Rocket EMS values clarity, reliability, and calm collaboration. They provide structure that helps teams stay focused. For partners in music, they offer a steady path from planning to completion. Their role is to simplify the journey, making space for better work.