> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3413740-staff-engineer-pcba-dfm-hardware](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3413740-staff-engineer-pcba-dfm-hardware). 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). --- # Staff Engineer, PCBA DFM, Hardware - **Company:** Google LLC - **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $171,000.0 - $247,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Hardware Design, Information Technology - **Published:** September 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/0D55C3EC44E949868ABC55CAB9AD4ADC/job/ ## About the Role Experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders; deep expertise in domain. Share Staff Engineer, PCBA DFM, Hardware, * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience. * 10 years of experience in high-density consumer hardware design, printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and design for manufacturability (DFM). * Experience in surface mount technology (SMT) process integration, high-risk CAD layout reviews, and conducting component-level failure analysis., * Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. * Advanced understanding of solder metallurgy, intermetallic compound formation, SAC305/405 properties, and low-temperature solders. * Demonstrated industry leadership through patents, published technical papers, or active contributions to industry standards bodies. ## Description Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct-to-consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration. As a Staff DfM/Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Engineer, you will serve as the principal technical authority for printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) design for manufacturing (DfM) across Google's entire consumer hardware portfolio including phones, watches, hearables, and more. In this role, you will bridge the gap between product design and mass production. You will own the technical roadmap for SMT process integration, qualify next-generation component technologies, and lead high-stakes failure analysis task forces during product ramps. Operating with high technical autonomy, you will influence product design teams early in the development lifecycle and partner directly with global tier-one contract manufacturers to ensure our hardware is built reliably and efficiently at a massive scale. Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Our Devices & Services team combines the best of Google AI, Software, and Hardware to create radically helpful experiences for users. We research, design, and develop new technologies and hardware to make our user's interaction with computing faster, seamless, and more powerful. Whether finding new ways to capture and sense the world around us, advancing form factors, or improving interaction methods, the Devices & Services team is making people's lives better through technology.Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. US: $171000 - $247000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits, * Define and execute long-term technology roadmaps for PCBA assembly and high-density component packaging. * Write and maintain proprietary PCBA design guidelines for rigid and rigid-flex assemblies. * Lead technical gatekeeping for the OK to fabricate (OK2FAB) layout approval workflow, conducting CAD layout reviews to mitigate risks. * Serve as the principal engineering authority for high-stakes SMT defect investigations and failure analysis. * Define engineering standards for panel array designs, routing clearances, cross-out thresholds, and process traceability. ## Related Videos - [Swapping a Data Warehouse at Runtime: Zero-Downtime Migration Without Changing a Single Client](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100311-swapping-a-data-warehouse-at-runtime-zero-downtime-migration-without-changing-a-single-client) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [How to Domain Model – An example from manufacturing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/742-how-to-domain-model-an-example-from-manufacturing) - [The future of automotive mobility: Upcoming E/E architectures, V2X and its challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/374-the-future-of-automotive-mobility-upcoming-e-e-architectures-v2x-and-its-challenges) - [The Billion Dollar Machine: First Time Right.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/393-the-billion-dollar-machine-first-time-right) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [How Much FAANG Companies Actually Pay Software Engineers in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/230-how-much-faang-companies-actually-pay-software-engineers-in-2025) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree)