Principal DFX/Assembly Engineer

Draper Labs
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
555 Technology Square (Show on map)
Jan 30, 2025
Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Job Description Summary: Draper is seeking a Design for Manufacturing/Assembly engineer with experience in Printed Circuit Board fabrication and Circuit Card Assembly. The DFX Engineer works with the layout and design teams, as well as Supply Chain, to ensure Design for Manufacturing/Assembly principles are applied, and works towards a smooth transition to internal or external assemblers. The candidate will be responsible for reviewing CCA layouts and drawings for completeness, complexity and areas for improvement. The role requires the candidate to review work requests submitted to internal service centers to generate DFA reports for both the submitter and the process engineering team. The candidate will consult with the layout team on PCB issues that impact assembly such as component footprints and other issues that impact assembly. This position will also involve being called upon to act as a Subject Matter Expert as an independent reviewer in design and milestone reviews. The DFX Engineer may be called upon to work with outside Contract Manufacturers to address component, assembly and workmanship issues. The candidate will also be called on to support Mission Assurance to review and assist in disposition of defects identified at Incoming and In-Process inspection. The ideal candidate will have hands on experience as a CCA process engineer for high reliability/aerospace applications including surface mount, component lead forming, bonding and conformal coating. Experience in an AS9100 environment is preferred. The candidate should have experience performing DFX reviews and generating feedback for design engineers. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities * Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts. * Gather materials or resources needed to design the product. * Test the product for usability and safety. * Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards. * Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements. * Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Product Engineering. * Provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results. * Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies. * Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals. Skills/Abilities * Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team. * Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel. * Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands. Education Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Experience 10-15 years experience in Product Engineering or related. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers. Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.