Planning Engineer - PCB Manufacturing
Pioneer Circuits Inc. · Santa Ana, CA ·
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- Industrial engineering
- Experience
- 5+ years
About Pioneer Circuits
Since its establishment in 1981, Pioneer Circuits has been leading the way in technology solutions for mission-critical systems. As the leading, privately held U.S. manufacturer of innovative high-performance flexible circuit boards, we are dedicated to the design, production, and assembly of advanced printed circuit board assembly (PCBAs) technology solutions.
We develop cutting-edge solutions that explore new frontiers, serve and protect our armed forces and allies, safeguard national security against evolving threats, and propel advancements in hypersonic technology.
Our customers include some of the largest aerospace and defense companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, NASA, JPL, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.
About the Opportunity:
The Planning Engineer translates complex customer requirements into complete, accurate manufacturing plans for high-performance printed circuit boards. This role reviews customer purchase orders, drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation to determine manufacturability, identify technical risks, develop manufacturing processes, and create detailed production documentation that supports efficient, high-quality manufacturing.
Working closely with CAM Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Sales, and customers, the Planning Engineer serves as a key technical resource, ensuring customer requirements are successfully implemented from order acceptance through production release.
What You'll Do:
- Analyze customer purchase orders, engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements to determine manufacturability, identify technical risks, and develop the optimal manufacturing plan.
- Evaluate customer purchase orders and contract requirements to identify quality, regulatory, flow-down, and compliance requirements prior to production.
- Review sales orders and customer profile notes to ensure all customer-specific instructions are accurately incorporated into manufacturing documentation.
- Develop manufacturing process plans by determining routing, processing requirements, materials, tooling, and special manufacturing considerations while balancing customer specifications, manufacturability, quality, and production efficiency.
- Prepare accurate travelers and process instructions within ProCIM, ensuring manufacturing documentation is complete, accurate, and ready for production release.
- Generate stack-ups and impedance models, when required, ensuring layer construction, material selection, and special processing requirements meet customer specifications.
- Develop clear manufacturing instructions for CAM Engineering, ensuring downstream engineering and production teams have the information required to successfully manufacture the product.
- Partner with CAM Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Sales to resolve technical issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure engineering documentation supports efficient production.
- Communicate directly with customers to clarify engineering requirements, resolve technical questions, and recommend manufacturable solutions when design or process constraints exist.
- Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, standardize engineering practices, and enhance manufacturing efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.
What You'll Bring:
- 5–10 years of PCB industry experience, preferably in Planning Engineering, Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong knowledge of rigid, flex, and rigid-flex printed circuit board manufacturing.
- Comprehensive understanding of PCB manufacturing processes, materials, stack-up development, impedance requirements, and manufacturing constraints.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to evaluate complex engineering requirements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate technical information to customers and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to interpret complex mechanical and electrical drawings, Gerber data, CAM files, customer specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Experience reviewing customer purchase orders, engineering drawings, and contract requirements to ensure manufacturability and compliance.
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers regarding technical engineering requirements, manufacturability, and production solutions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems such as ProCIM.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of military specifications, IPC standards, and customer flow-down requirements.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, or equivalent industry experience.
- Experience with Valor Genesis or similar PCB engineering/CAM software.
The actual compensation offered is based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and other relevant business considerations.
Pioneer Circuits provides a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time roles, encompassing healthcare, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Additionally, employees enjoy paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan + company match, along with various voluntary benefits options.
This is an ITAR-controlled facility. As such, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Employment eligibility will be verified through the E-Verify system as part of the hiring process.
Pioneer Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.