About this role

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing processes to support safe, efficient, and repeatable production of electronic assemblies. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Technicians, Test Engineering, Quality, and other functions to ensure production readiness, product quality, and continuous improvement across the factory.

The Manufacturing Engineer owns manufacturing processes and documentation for SMT, hand solder, test, and final assembly operations, supporting new product introduction (NPI), legacy product sustainment, and ongoing yield, cost, and throughput improvements. The role focuses on process definition, root cause analysis, and cross-functional problem solving rather than direct line operation.

In a small, high-mix manufacturing environment, the Manufacturing Engineer is expected to be hands-on and floor-engaged, providing technical direction, troubleshooting support, and practical solutions while working through technicians and operators to execute production. The role has a direct, visible impact on product quality, on-time delivery, and manufacturing cost across both new and legacy products.

Position focus

- Owning and maintaining manufacturing processes and documentation for SMT, hand solder, test, and final assembly, ensuring processes are safe, repeatable, and aligned with quality requirements.

- Leading manufacturing readiness for new product introductions, including process development, documentation, tooling readiness, and coordination with Engineering, Test Engineering, and Operations.

- Owning SMT line programming and program control, including creation, validation, release, and revision of SMT programs for new products, engineering changes, and ongoing production.

- Partnering with Test Engineering on test strategy implementation, fixture readiness, test coverage improvements, and resolution of manufacturing-related test issues.

- Supporting daily production by troubleshooting process, yield, and quality issues, performing root cause analysis, and driving corrective and preventive actions with Quality and Manufacturing.

- Designing fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids, using engineering drawings, GD&T, and electrical schematics to improve manufacturability and troubleshooting.

- Identifying and implementing continuous improvements in yield, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost, using data and practical shop-floor observations.

- Supporting change control by evaluating engineering changes, assessing process impacts, and planning implementation for smooth execution on the floor.

- Providing technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineering Technicians and production personnel, reinforcing standard work, workmanship expectations, and process discipline.

Location and how to apply

Boulder, CO – Onsite manufacturing role

Apply by December 31, 2026, at www.freewave.com .

Target base salary range

$80,000 – $120,000

The final offer will be based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role is also eligible for bonus or incentive pay.

Travel requirements

None

Our benefits include

- Generous PTO

- Excellent health benefits (medical, dental, vision, and ancillary)

- Company-paid employee share of FAMLI premiums in Colorado and in states with similar paid family and medical leave programs

- Company-provided life insurance

- 401(k) with employer matching

- Casual dress code

- Dog-friendly office

- A culture of innovation and support

- See more at freewave.com

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent experience in electronics manufacturing.

- 3+ years of experience supporting electronics manufacturing operations, including SMT assembly, hand solder, PCBA-level test, and final assembly in a production environment.

- Working knowledge of SMT process development, including solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering and thermal profiling, and the process controls required for reliable, repeatable production.

- Hands-on experience with SMT line programming software and pick-and-place equipment, including program structure, component data management, feeder assignments, and revision control in a high-mix environment.

- Understanding of electronic assembly workmanship and soldering standards, including IPC-A-610 and acceptable rework and repair practices.

- Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T tolerances, and basic electrical schematics.

- Familiarity with AOI strategies, defect classification, and feedback loops used to improve yield and process stability.

- Working knowledge of manufacturing test concepts, including test coverage and common failure modes, and hands-on use of digital multimeters and basic electrical test equipment for board-level troubleshooting.

- Ability to analyze manufacturing data such as yield, defect trends, throughput, and rework rates, and translate findings into actionable process improvements.

- Experience with change control, configuration management, and manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, control plans, change orders, and inspection records.

- Experience using an ERP system to support work orders, BOMs, routings, travelers, inventory visibility, and production change control.

- Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing production needs in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred qualifications

- Experience with Samsung/Hanwha SMT programming and line support software, including T-Studio, TOLP, and T-Feeder.

- Experience programming, optimizing, and troubleshooting Hanwha pick-and-place machines.

- Experience with TRI AOI systems and software.

- Experience with Europlacer screen printers and Heller reflow ovens.

- Experience with Epicor ERP.

- Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools to design fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids.

- Familiarity with rapid prototyping methods, including 3D printing, to quickly develop and iterate tooling or process support hardware.

- Experience using AI to build tools that support SMT, final assembly, and the broader manufacturing floor.

- Familiarity with product safety certification for ordinary locations and hazardous locations (Class I, Division 2) through UL and/or Intertek.

- Experience in a small, high-mix manufacturing environment supporting both NPI and legacy product sustainment.