> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/227103-manufacturing-engineering-lead-smt](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/227103-manufacturing-engineering-lead-smt). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Manufacturing Engineering Lead, SMT

- **Company:** Etched, LLC
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Centers, Yield Optimization
- **Published:** May 15, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=ba42ab028e0d7eb8

## About the Role

Do you have experience in Fabrication?, * Experience supporting L6-L11 data center compute platforms, HPC systems, or high-layer-count server motherboards and accelerator PCBAs

 * Strong understanding of SI/PI-driven fabrication constraints, including high-speed channel routing, low-loss material selection, copper roughness impact, and power delivery integrity
 * Experience driving comprehensive PCBA DFM reviews covering stack-ups, drill structures, annular ring design, aspect ratios, copper balancing, panelization strategy, and fabrication tolerances

## Description

We are hiring a Manufacturing Engineering Lead, SMT, to drive fabrication excellence across complex, high-performance hardware systems. In this role, you will operate at the intersection of PCBA design and fabrication, ensuring world-class quality, yield, reliability, and scalability.

You will collaborate closely with electrical engineers, PCBA layout designers, and fabrication partners to influence designs from early architecture through mass production. This role requires deep technical expertise in multilayer PCBA fabrication processes, strong cross-functional leadership, and rigorous execution to ensure manufacturability and long-term platform success., * Drive PCBA DFM for high-speed multilayer boards

 * Partner with EE and layout teams to ensure manufacturability, yield optimization, and cost efficiency early in the design cycle
 * Develop and enforce PCBA design guidelines aligned with supplier process capabilities
 * Collaborate with PCB DFM team to review and optimize stack-ups, material selection, controlled impedance structures, via strategies (blind/buried/microvia), copper balancing, and panelization
 * Lead SMT process development and qualification at contract manufacturer (CM)
 * Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance fabrication yield, reliability, and cost structure
 * Lead failure analysis (FA) for fabrication-related defects and implement corrective actions


## Related Videos

- [The Billion Dollar Machine: First Time Right.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/393-the-billion-dollar-machine-first-time-right)
- [Quantum Tech: Preparing for the Next Leap](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1693-quantum-tech-preparing-for-the-next-leap)
- [The Sustainability Race: AI's Promises, Pitfalls and Potential](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100155-the-sustainability-race-ai-s-promises-pitfalls-and-potential)
- [Introducing the W3C Web Sustainability Guidelines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/991-introducing-the-w3c-web-sustainability-guidelines)
- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia)

## Related Articles

- [What Makes WeAreDevelopers World Congress Different From Every Other Tech Event?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/701-what-makes-wearedevelopers-world-congress-different-from-every-other-tech-event)
- [How Engineering Hubs Build Visibility at Developer Conferences like WeAreDevelopers World Congress](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/720-how-engineering-hubs-build-visibility-at-developer-conferences-like-wearedevelopers-world-congress)
- [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)
- [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development)
- [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager)
- [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026)