Temp Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on creating, optimizing, and maintaining SMT and PCBA process lines for high‑reliability products in the aerospace and defense sector. The Process Engineer will develop and refine reflow profiles, support the SMT line, and act as the subject matter expert for assigned lines. This position is ideal for an experienced process engineer who enjoys hands-on work in a smaller, collaborative environment and is passionate about continuous process improvement.

• Create, optimize, and maintain SMT and PCBA process lines to support high‑reliability aerospace and defense products.
• Develop, implement, and refine reflow profiles to ensure consistent solder quality and process stability.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned SMT and PCBA lines, providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support.
• Support SMT operations, including programming and optimizing pick‑and‑place equipment for both production and prototype builds.
• Lead and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring smooth transition from prototype to full production.
• Oversee and support first article builds, including documentation, verification, and process adjustments as needed.
• Drive process improvements focused on yield, quality, throughput, and cost reduction across PCBA operations.
• Analyze and improve through-hole and surface-mount processes, including soldering, inspection, and related operations.
• Utilize tools such as ECD or similar measurement devices to validate and fine‑tune reflow profiles and thermal processes.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering, to resolve issues and implement best practices.
• Support tooling modifications and enhancements to improve manufacturability and process robustness.
• Document process parameters, work instructions, and best practices to ensure repeatability and compliance.
• Provide on-the-floor engineering support during 2nd shift to quickly address process issues and minimize downtime.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering focused on SMT and PCBA manufacturing.
• Strong PCBA experience from a process engineering and process improvement standpoint.
• Hands-on experience developing and optimizing reflow profiles for SMT processes.
• Proficiency with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines and related support tools.
• Experience supporting first article builds and prototype runs in a production environment.
• Knowledge of NPI processes and the transition from prototype to full-scale production.
• Experience with through-hole (thru hole) assembly processes.
• Familiarity with using ECD or similar tools for thermal profiling and process validation.
• Eligibility to work in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident.

• Experience working in a contract manufacturing (CM) environment.
• Background in tooling modification to support process improvements and manufacturability.
• Experience with high-reliability products, particularly in aerospace and defense applications.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to communicate clearly with cross-functional teams and production staff.
• Comfort working as the primary technical owner and SME for assigned process lines.

This is a 2nd shift onsite role, scheduled Monday through Friday from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with some flexibility of about an hour on start time. The position is based in a manufacturing environment that operates SMT and PCBA lines for high-reliability aerospace and defense products. Engineering roles do not receive a shift differential, as they are not classified as direct labor. The organization offers a smaller, close-knit environment where employees can have a direct impact and avoid the feeling of being a small part of a large, impersonal operation. Benefits include a comprehensive package with a fully paid Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers out-of-pocket maximums, supporting a stable and employee-focused workplace.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Jose, CA.

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $57.69/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in San Jose,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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