About the role
Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
To fuel Neros’ accelerating growth, we are bringing an advanced SMT line completely in-house. This capability will supercharge our rapid development cycle for proprietary designs while giving us the ultimate flexibility to scale PCBA production volume on demand. As the SMT Lead you will:
Responsibilities
- Drive the technical evaluation, sourcing, and procurement of all capital equipment required to establish a best in class, in-house SMT production line
- Lead the physical installation, programming, calibration, and optimization of the SMT line; establish preventative maintenance schedules to maximize machine uptime, throughput, and OEE
- Develop and manage component sourcing strategy and inventory control systems to ensure seamless production continuity and minimize material shortages
- Architect and implement an agile, rapid-response manufacturing workflow capable of executing fast-turn PCB prototypes for new R&D designs without disrupting ongoing production schedules
- Serve as the primary manufacturing liaison to the hardware design engineering team, providing critical DFM feedback on panelization, pad geometries, component spacing, and thermal profiles to optimize yield and reliability
- Recruit, train, and manage a lean, high-performing team of technicians and operators to execute daily SMT operations, quality inspection, and complex IPC-standard component rework/repair
- 5+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing engineering, with at least 2+ years in a lead, supervisory, or managerial role overseeing an active SMT production floor
- Proven track record of successfully executing New Product Introductions (NPI) and managing the physical setup, optimization, and expansion of an in-house SMT manufacturing line
- Hands-on experience programming, operating, and troubleshooting major SMT line machinery, including screen printers, high-speed pick-and-place systems, multi-zone reflow ovens, and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) tools
- Deep technical proficiency in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles for high-density PCBAs, with the ability to interpret Gerber files, schematics, and BOMs (Bill of Materials) to optimize component footprints, pad geometries, and panel layout
- Active or previous certifications in IPC-A-610 and IPC-7711/7721
- Experience using ERP/MES software to track component inventory, manage moisture-sensitive devices (MSD tracking), structure assembly workflows, and monitor line yield metrics
- Startup experience
- Experience designing PCBAs
US Salary Range
$150,000 - $225,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
