Electrical Capability Project Engineer SME

United States of America

Full Time

2 weeks ago

No H1B

Key skills

Electrical manufacturingCCA assembly processesSMTReflow solderingWave solderingSelective solderingPWB fabricationMaterialsStack up designImpedance controlCablewire harness designRoutingTerminationIPC standardsMIL STDAerospace/defense material specificationsSupplier auditsTechnical assessmentsCost drivers in PCB productionCost drivers in CCA productionCost drivers in harness productionProduction ramp upCapacity planningYield improvementAerospace/defense regulatory requirementsAS9100ITARElectrical drawings interpretationBOM interpretationManufacturability assessmentCycle time estimationTest requirements estimationRoot cause analysisCorrective action plansFirst Article InspectionDesign for ManufacturabilityAlternate process recommendationsMake vs buy analysisSupply chain risk assessmentElectrical capability standardsSupplier technical requirementsTest specificationsLean/Continuous ImprovementNew Product IntroductionMake/buy strategyCapability Center modelsDigital manufacturingAdvanced PCB technologiesHDIFlex rigid PCBAutomated harness assemblyInfluence without authorityAssemblyCommunication

About this role

Lockheed Martin is a leading aerospace and defense company, and they are seeking an Electrical Capability Project Engineer SME to serve as the technical authority for evaluating and developing external electrical component suppliers. The role requires a blend of deep electrical manufacturing expertise and strong business acumen to drive strategic sourcing decisions that enhance program competitiveness and mitigate risks.

Responsibilities:

Lead technical assessments of electrical suppliers, covering:CCA assembly processes (SMT, through hole, mixed technology)PWB fabrication (materials, stack up, impedance control)Cable & wire harness design, routing, strain relief, and termination methodsCompliance with IPC, MIL STD, and aerospace/defense specifications (e.g., IPC A 610, IPC 2221, MIL STD 2299) Support RFQ/RFP reviews by:Interpreting electrical drawings, BOMs, and specificationsMatching suppliers to part complexity, volume, and program scheduleIdentifying manufacturability concerns (e.g., placement density, via reliability, harness routing constraints)Estimating cycle times, cost drivers, and test requirementsFacilitating PO kick offs and drawing reviews with the supplierServe as the electrical technical authority in source selection decisions
Identify capability gaps (e.g., lack of controlled impedance processes, limited X ray inspection) and recommend corrective actions.Work with suppliers on:Process improvement requests that require Lockheed expertise (e.g., redesign of high speed digital stacks, advanced harness strain relief).Partner with Supplier Quality on:Root cause analysis (RCCA) for electrical failures (open/short circuits, EMI/EMC issues).Corrective action plans (CAPA).First Article Inspection (FAI) readiness for CCAs and harnesses
Drive cost reduction initiatives through:Design for Manufacturability (DFM) for PCBs and harnesses (component standardization, panelization, modular harnesses).Alternate process recommendations (e.g., flex circuit substitution, automated wire bonding).Make vs buy analysis for high value or high risk electrical parts.Assess and mitigate supply chain risk, including:Single source PCB or harness suppliers.Capacity constraints on high mix, low volume runs.Dependency on obsolete components or specialized equipment (e.g., micro via drilling)
Act as the electrical SME between:Engineering (design, reliability, test).Supply Chain / Strategic Sourcing.Operations (assembly lines, test stations).Quality (audit, certification).Support engineering change reviews and technical trade studies that impact electrical suppliers.Provide technical input for supplier councils, sourcing boards, and executive reviews.Virtual Capability CentersIntegrated Product Teams
Help define and maintain:Electrical capability standards (e.g., acceptable tolerance for trace width/spacing, harness bend radius).Supplier technical requirements and test specifications.Best practice guidelines (IPC standards, design for testability).Support Lean / CI initiatives within supplier electrical operations.Mentor sourcing and quality teams on electrical manufacturing fundamentals

Requirements:

10+ years hands on experience with electrical manufacturing (shop floor, manufacturing engineering, or supplier technical role)
Deep expertise in: CCA assembly processes (SMT, reflow, wave, selective soldering)
PWB fabrication (materials, stack up design, impedance control)
Cable and wire harness design, routing, and termination
IPC, MIL STD, and aerospace/defense material specifications
Experience supporting major aerospace or defense programs
Proven record of working directly with external electrical suppliers
Strong understanding of: Supplier audits and technical assessments for electrical components
Cost drivers in PCB, CCA, and harness production
Production ramp up, capacity planning, and yield improvement
Familiarity with aerospace/defense regulatory requirements (AS9100, ITAR, IPC standards)
Excellent technical communication – can translate complex electrical topics for non technical audiences
Comfortable challenging assumptions and driving fact based decisions
Ability to influence without direct authority
Willingness to travel to supplier sites (typically 25-50%)
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field
Background in: New Product Introduction (NPI) for electronic assemblies
Make/buy strategy for high value electronic parts
Capability Center / COE models for electrical manufacturing
Experience with digital manufacturing, advanced PCB technologies (HDI, flex rigid), or automated harness assembly