Job Description
Job Description
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About Pioneer Circuits
Since its establishment in 1981, Pioneer Circuits has been leading the way in technology solutions for mission-critical systems. As the leading, privately held U.S. manufacturer of innovative high-performance flexible circuit boards, we are dedicated to the design, production, and assembly of advanced printed circuit board assembly (PCBAs) technology solutions.
We develop cutting-edge solutions that explore new frontiers, serve and protect our armed forces and allies, safeguard national security against evolving threats, and propel advancements in hypersonic technology.
Our customers include some of the largest aerospace and defense companies like RTX, Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, NASA, JPL, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing.
About the Opportunity
The Senior Applications Engineer plays a critical cross-functional role serving as the primary technical liaison between customers, engineering, quality, and production teams. This is a remote or hybrid role and is responsible for evaluating complex customer requirements, supporting new business opportunities, and ensuring that all product designs are manufacturable and aligned with aerospace and defense standards.
You will interface directly with engineers at top-tier aerospace and defense companies, guiding designs for manufacturability (DFM), stack-up and impedance modeling, and process feasibility. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in PCB fabrication and assembly and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, and customer-centric environment.
What You'll Do:
Customer Engagement & Technical Support
- Act as the technical point of contact during customer meetings, RFQ reviews, audits, and pre/post-award discussions.
- Guide customers through DFM and material stack-up reviews with a focus on high-reliability applications (Class 3, ITAR-compliant builds).
- Host customer visits, technical Q&A sessions, and product capability briefings.
Engineering Collaboration
- Lead concurrent engineering initiatives with customers, providing feedback on design, materials, and manufacturability.
- Interface with internal process, quality, and front-end engineering teams to communicate customer technical requirements and resolve issues.
- Review and analyze GERBER data, ODB++, and mechanical drawings to assess build feasibility.
Technical Marketing & Training
- Create and deliver technical training, presentations, and seminars for both internal stakeholders and external customers.
- Represent the company at tradeshows, industry events, and customer locations.
Documentation & Standards Compliance
- Prepare technical reports, mockups, and engineering forms to support program readiness and process alignment.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of IPC standards (e.g., IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-A-600) and participate in relevant industry committees.
- Support the development of technical collateral for sales and marketing teams.
Continuous Improvement & Mentorship
- Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on PCB technologies, customer expectations, and design review processes.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, cycle time, and customer satisfaction.
What You'll Bring:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent technical experience.
- 10+ years of experience in PCB manufacturing, design, or applications engineering.
- Expert-level knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes, including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex boards.
- Proficiency in interpreting GERBER files, stack-up data, impedance modeling, and design constraints.
- Experience working with aerospace/defense customers and familiarity with MIL-spec, ITAR, and AS9100 requirements.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for customer presentations and technical documentation.
- Ability to travel occasionally (up to 20%) to customer sites, tradeshows, and company events.
- Comfortable giving technical presentations to both business and engineering audiences.
Preferred:
- Active participant in IPC standards committees or similar industry groups.
- Experience using CAM tools, impedance calculators, and ERP/CRM systems.
- Knowledge of defense-industry compliance workflows (NDAs, controlled data, etc.).
California Pay Range$88,000—$130,000 USD
The actual compensation offered is based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and other relevant business considerations.
Pioneer Circuits provides a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time roles, encompassing healthcare, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Additionally, employees enjoy paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan + company match, along with various voluntary benefits options.
This is an ITAR-controlled facility. As such, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Employment eligibility will be verified through the E-Verify system as part of the hiring process.
Pioneer Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.