Manufacturing Engineer - Binghamton - mPower Technology, Inc.

Description

Position Summary

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.

The Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer will support the production of next-generation DragonSCALES solar power technology designed for emerging Space 2.0 satellite and spacecraft markets. The role provides practical experience in precision manufacturing, including exposure to electronics assembly and SMT processes used in high-reliability aerospace environments. The engineer will assist in developing, documenting, and optimizing processes that ensure consistent quality, throughput, and compliance with aerospace-grade technical guidelines.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, motivated to learn, and excited to contribute to the rapidly expanding space manufacturing ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Process Support & Optimization

• Assist in developing and refining manufacturing processes for solar module assembly, bonding, deposition, and encapsulation.
• Conduct time-and-motion studies, yield assessments, and capacity evaluations across both mechanical and SMT-related operations.
• Support root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) activities.

SMT and Electronics Assembly Support

• Provide entry-level technical support for SMT line operations, including stencil printing, component placement, reflow soldering, inspection, and rework.
• Monitor SMT process parameters and assist in evaluating process capability and repeatability.
• Support creation and revision of SMT-related work instructions, soldering criteria, and inspection standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to evaluate solder joint quality, component fit, and compliance to IPC-A-610/620 or equivalent aerospace standards.
• Assist in troubleshooting basic SMT equipment issues and coordinate with senior engineers or vendors when required.

Production Floor Support

• Provide real-time technical assistance to operators and technicians.
• Monitor key parameters such as material flow, equipment performance, and process stability.
• Document non-conformances and aid in disposition of non-conforming material.

Equipment & Tooling Support

• Assist with equipment qualification, calibration, and maintenance tracking.
• Support the design and implementation of fixtures, tools, and gauges to improve repeatability and throughput.

Quality & Data Analysis

• EIDP generation and review
• Collect and analyze production data, key characteristics, and process capability metrics (Cp/Cpk).
• Support control charting, statistical process control (SPC), and reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure adherence to material, chemical, and dimensional specifications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with R&D, Materials Engineering, Quality, and Operations to industrialize new technologies.
• Participate in manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR's/DRB's) and production readiness assessments.

Documentation & Compliance

Generate and revise work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), process

specifications, and travelers/routers.

Ensure processes comply with aerospace and program-specific technical guidelines.

Maintain accurate production, test, and inspection records.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing fundamentals, including process flow, work instructions, and quality systems.
• Foundational understanding of SMT processes, including solder paste printing, component placement, reflow, and inspection.·
• Basic SPC, data analysis, and root-cause methodologies (5-Whys, Ishikawa).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work hands-on in a manufacturing or cleanroom environment.
• Proficiency with Excel or similar data-analysis tools.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship or co-op experience in aerospace, semiconductor, solar, or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with bonding, lamination, vacuum processes, or SMT based micro-assembly.
• Exposure to high-reliability manufacturing environments (IPC, NASA, or AS9100 standards).
• Basic understanding of optics, thin-film materials, or electronics assembly.

Key Attributes for Success

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Willingness to learn highly specialized, space-qualified SMT manufacturing processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving production environment.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams. xhmxlyz
• Bias toward action and problem-solving.

Candidate must be a US Citizen or Green Card Holder