PURPOSE:
The Manufacturing Engineer develops, implements, and maintains manufacturing operational flows, and systems for Fabrinet West production lines. This role is responsible for driving production efficiency, estimating labor/NRE costs, writing clear Manufacturing Process Instructions (MPIs), and leading top level module operations—specifically for high-density PCBA with complex, multi-level Bill of Materials (BOM) structures. The manufacturing engineer will act as the technical liaison between our internal engineering/quality teams and our OEM customers. The ideal candidate is an exceptional team player who collaborates seamlessly across Cross-Functional Teams (CFT) to optimize assembly workflows, troubleshoot build issues, and ensure products are built safely, efficiently, and to exact customer specifications
Primary Job Responsibilities:
Process Development:
- Develop, implement, and optimize cost-effective manufacturing sequence of operations, and shop-floor routing aligned with product specifications and quality standards.
- Establish technical protocols and workflows to harvest, test, screen, and repurpose high-value components for re-assembly or secondary life applications.
- Write, maintain, and update detailed Manufacturing Process Instructions (MPIs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and Visual Aid for production operators.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across production lines, equipment layout, standard operating procedures, safety, and operator training.
- Design, test, or source specialized tooling, fixtures, and equipment to support efficient assembly, disassembly, component harvesting, rework, and remanufacturing operations.
NPI Transfer:
- Collaborate with design teams and clients to deliver Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Coordinate product launches and revision releases, establishing production goals, training operators, and monitoring pilot builds.
Costing, Change Management & Tooling:
- Perform comprehensive product and process analysis to generate precise manufacturing/repurposing labor quotes and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) estimates.
- Design, order, and validate assembly and disassembly tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Customer Interface:
- Serve as a primary engineering interface with clients, communicating technical status, quality yield, process updates, and engineering resolutions clearly and professionally.
- Act as an active, supportive team player within Cross-Functional Teams (CFT)—partnering daily with Test, Quality, Planning, Program Management, and Production.
- Provide hands-on technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and process training to production supervisors, leads, and operators.
Quality Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
- Participate in root-cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) investigations for non-conforming products, yield drops, harvested component defects, and Return Material Authorizations (RMAs).
- Analyze shop-floor quality data to implement yield-enhancing strategies and minimize field failures.
Job Qualifications and Requirements:
- BS degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electronics) or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum 5 years of related process, quality, or manufacturing engineering experience within an EMS or OEM production environment.
Specialized Technical Expertise:
- Process Documentation: Proven ability to author clear, concise, and structured Manufacturing Process Instructions (MPIs) and routing instructions for assembly and teardown/harvesting workflows.
- Software & CAD Tools: Proficiency in Gerber/Board/CAD viewer software, 2D/3D modeling and drafting software, and artwork drawing tools.
- MES & Traceability: Strong working knowledge of shop-floor controls, MES, barcode/traceability interfaces, and tooling/maintenance management systems.
- Assembly & Inspection Equipment: Experience with ASM machine programming/interfaces, offline SPI, reflow profiling, conformal coating, strain gage analysis, scanner programming, Dage 2D X-ray inspection & BGA rework station.
Soft Skills & Collaboration:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of building positive relationships with customers and CFT peers.
- Collaborative mindset with a strong dedication to supporting shop-floor manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment.
Other requirements:
• Bachelor's Degree
• 2+ years of Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing experience
FabrinetWest including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Skills Required
- Excellent math, verbal, computer, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams, technical manuals, and related technical information
- Familiarity with Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) electronic components and SMT assembly processes
- Experience with ASM machinery
- Familiarity with SMT and PTH processes
- Familiarity with solder printers, SPI, AOI, AXI, wave soldering, and BGA rework machines
- Familiarity with soldering materials, soldering processes, temperature profiling, and debugging soldering issues on PCBA
- Familiarity with IPC and J-STD standards related to PCBA, soldering, and testing
- Familiarity with statistical methods including SPC, GRR, and DOE for problem solving and process capability evaluation
- Experience writing work instructions
- BS or MS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent
What We Do
Fabrinet is a global contract manufacturer serving demanding original equipment manufacturers. Founded as a provider of complex optical-component manufacturing, it now delivers advanced optical packaging plus precision optical, electro-mechanical, and electronic manufacturing services. Its capabilities include production, process technology, logistics, supply-chain support, and turnkey operations for optical communications, automotive, industrial laser, medical, sensor, and other diverse technology markets worldwide.
