Process Engineer - PCB Wet Process

Position Summary

We are seeking a Wet Process Engineer to support and optimize chemical processing operations within a high-precision PCB manufacturing environment. This individual will play a key role in maintaining and improving wet process operations, including plating, etching, cleaning, stripping, and surface treatment processes that directly impact product quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in PCB fabrication and enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges through data-driven decision making, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will partner closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot process issues, improve yields, reduce defects, and implement process enhancements that support operational excellence. The Wet Process Engineer will also be responsible for developing and maintaining process documentation, ensuring compliance with customer and industry standards, and evaluating new equipment and technologies that support future manufacturing growth. This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on both product performance and overall manufacturing success.
## Key Responsibilities
Develop, monitor, and optimize wet process operations, including plating, etching, cleaning, stripping, and surface treatment. Investigate production issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions. Improve process capability, yield, quality, and manufacturing efficiency. Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to drive operational improvements. Create and maintain engineering documentation, including SOPs, process maps, PFMEAs, control plans, and test reports. Support compliance with customer, industry, quality, and EHS requirements. Evaluate and recommend new equipment, technologies, and process improvements.
## Must-Have Qualifications
2-3+ years of Wet Process Engineering experience within PCB manufacturing. Strong knowledge of PCB fabrication, including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex technologies. Experience with wet process operations such as plating, etching, cleaning, stripping, and surface finishing. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T. Experience with ERP systems and process troubleshooting.
## Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field. Experience in aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing environments. Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, IPC, and J-STD standards. Experience creating SOPs, PFMEAs, ECRs, process maps, and engineering documentation. Proficiency with Minitab or other statistical analysis tools. Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance requirements.
## Key Skills
Wet Process Engineering PCB Manufacturing & Fabrication Copper Plating & Etching Process Improvement Root Cause Analysis Corrective Actions Continuous Improvement GD&T ERP Systems Minitab Engineering Documentation PFMEA & SOP Development AS9100 / ISO 9001 Aerospace Manufacturing Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Ana, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.00/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 Santa Ana, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Santa Ana,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.