Job Title:

Manufacturing Engineer (SMT & Electronics Assembly) – 2nd Shift

Type of Position:

This position will begin as a 6-month contract, with strong potential for long-term employment. While the contract is initially set for 6 months, there is no fixed end date, and extensions beyond the initial term are possible. Conversion to a direct hire role may occur as early as 3 months, depending on individual performance and business needs. Although direct hire is not guaranteed, it is a common outcome for high-performing team members, and most contractors in this role do transition to permanent positions over time.

Candidate Requirements:

This role is ONLY open to US Citizens and Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders). Other work authorizations are not permitted (no visa sponsorship / visa transfers permitted).

Job Location:

Phoenix, AZ (on site role).

Compensation:

We offer flexible pay and time-off packages to suit different preferences. You may choose one of the following:

• $46.00/hour – Includes 5 days of PTO (accrued)
• $45.00/hour – Includes 5 days of PTO (accrued) and 7 paid holidays
• $44.00/hour – Includes 10 days of PTO (accrued) and 7 paid holidays

Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for any hours worked over 40 in a week. When converted to direct hire, you will be eligible for a significantly expanded PTO package.

Benefits:

• Available (medical, dental, 401k, vision, etc) – benefit eligibility begins 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.
• PTO – Availability depends on the pay/time-off option selected. PTO is accrued over time.

Job Description:

HRU Technical Resources has partnered with Mercury Systems, a leading provider of secure, mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense. We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer with strong experience in electronics manufacturing, specifically across SMT processes and downstream/post-solder operations. This role supports production in a defense and aerospace environment, focusing on developing, improving, and troubleshooting manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, high-quality, and compliant production. This is a floor-focused role. The right person will understand the equipment, processes, and failure modes, and be comfortable stepping in to solve real production issues.

Responsibilities:

SMT Process Development & Ownership

• Develop, implement, and optimize SMT manufacturing processes across the full line:
• Solder Paste Printing (MPM, Ekra)
• Solder Paste Inspection (Koh Young)
• Component Placement (Mycronic, Fuji)
• Reflow Ovens (BTU)
• AOI – Automated Optical Inspection (Koh Young)
• X-Ray Inspection (Nordson, Omron)
• Troubleshoot defects such as bridging, tombstoning, and voiding, and drive root cause / corrective actions
• Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and validation methods

Post-Solder & Secondary Operations

• Support and improve downstream processes, including:
• Selective Soldering (ERSA)
• Depaneling (G-Tech)
• Press-fit assembly
• Conformal coating (Nordson spray systems)
• Underfill and plasma cleaning processes
• Establish process parameters and ensure consistent, repeatable results

Production Support & Optimization

• Troubleshoot production issues in real time and drive resolution
• Analyze yield, throughput, and defect trends to identify improvement opportunities
• Improve line efficiency, reduce scrap and rework, and eliminate bottlenecks
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and design for manufacturability (DFM) efforts

Equipment & Systems

• Support equipment selection, setup, validation, and ongoing performance
• Work within MES systems (e.g., FactoryLogix) for traceability and process control
• Coordinate calibration, maintenance, and process capability improvements

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards
• Partner with Quality to support audits, inspections, and corrective actions
• Drive robust documentation including process flows, PFMEAs, and work instructions

Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives
• Drive cost reduction, waste elimination, and process standardization

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with design engineering, production, quality, and supply chain teams
• Support supplier coordination to ensure materials and components meet production and quality requirements

Safety

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a safe working environment

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or related is preferred). Bachelor’s Degre of some type is required.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in electronics manufacturing (SMT environment required)
• Strong hands-on experience with SMT equipment and processes listed above
• Experience with post-solder processes (conformal coating, selective solder, etc.)
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards
• Experience with FactoryLogix or similar MES systems
• Familiarity with aerospace/defense standards (AS9100, ITAR, NADCAP) is a plus
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma methodologies preferred

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

• This is a 2nd (afternoon) shift position following a 9/80 schedule. Employees typically work 9 hour days from 2:00PM to 12:00AM, Monday through Thursday, and a six-hour day on alternating Fridays. Every other Friday is a scheduled day off. There may be occasional overtime which would be compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
• This will be an on site role (no hybrid / remote work).
• Offer may be contingent upon passing a background check and a drug screen (drug screen would include Cannabis because this role works for a defense contractor).
• HRU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an employer of choice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply for This Job:

To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. We’ll get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next you’ll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage we’ll give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours.

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