Company Information:Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.
Position SummaryThe Principal Process Engineer serves as the highest technical authority for Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) manufacturing within the Center of Excellence. This role provides expert-level leadership in advanced process development, cross-functional project execution, and technology advancement for high-reliability defense and aerospace electronics. The Principal Engineer drives major initiatives that improve quality, yield, reliability, and cost performance, while ensuring strict compliance with IPC, J-STD, and MIL standards. The ideal candidate possesses deep subject-matter expertise, a strong record of leading complex technical projects, and the ability to influence engineering direction across the facility.
Key Responsibilities- Lead development, implementation, and optimization of advanced CCA manufacturing processes including SMT, wave/selective soldering, bonding/staking, conformal coating, and ruggedization.
- Establish long-range process capability goals and define technical strategies to enhance manufacturing robustness, automation, and efficiency.
- Serve as the technical authority for processing documentation, work instructions, and standards for all CCA processes at the Center of Excellence.
- Maintain expert-level knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and MIL requirements and ensure all CCA processes meet these specifications.
- Lead major root cause investigations for complex or high-impact quality challenges and coordinate cross-functional corrective actions.
- Oversee advanced SPC, data analytics, and process monitoring for critical manufacturing steps.
- Lead multidisciplinary technical projects aimed at improving yield, manufacturability, cost, automation, and defect reduction.
- Partner closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Program Management to resolve complex manufacturing challenges and support New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Act as the primary technical lead for implementation of new equipment, inspection systems, and automation technologies.
- Evaluate and integrate emerging manufacturing technologies such as SMT platforms, AOI/SPI systems, and automation solutions.
- Drive digital manufacturing enhancements, process modeling, and capability studies.
- Provide technical mentorship to Senior, Mid-level, and Junior Process Engineers.
- Review and approve major process changes, validation plans, and engineering documentation.
- Deliver training on advanced electronics manufacturing processes, inspection methods, soldering best practices, and thermal profiling.
- Develop and maintain advanced process metrics using data-driven approaches.
- Partner with Operations and Manufacturing Engineering to enhance MES/ERP capabilities supporting process control and traceability.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing and CCA process engineering.
- Deep expertise in SMT, soldering, inspection technologies, and high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and aerospace/defense manufacturing requirements.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects and driving high-impact technical initiatives.
- Hands-on experience with SMT platforms (e.g., FUJI), AOI/SPI systems (e.g., Koh Young), wash processes, conformal coating, and ruggedization.
- Advanced capability in SPC, data analysis, Six Sigma methodologies, and process validation.
- Strong collaboration skills with ability to influence engineering and manufacturing decisions across teams.
Preferred Skills- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and establishing new manufacturing capabilities.
- Expertise with CAD tools for process/fixture design and manufacturing simulation.
- Demonstrated success implementing advanced automation and digital manufacturing solutions.
- Ability to lead multiple technical projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
- Strong communication skills for guiding teams and presenting complex technical information.
- Basic understanding of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) principles.
- Working knowledge of DMAIC methodology (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control).
- Familiarity with PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) continuous improvement cycle.
Security Clearance- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:- Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
- Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
- Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
- Flexible Vacation & PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Employee Referral Program
- Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
- Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.
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