---
title: 'Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer - SMT/PCBA at Epirus'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-principal-manufacturing-engineer-smt-pcba-epirus-torrance-california-nz0wkvdm5wc5'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Senior Principal Manufacturing Engineer - SMT/PCBA at Epirus

- **Company:** Epirus
- **Location:** Torrance California, United States
- **Compensation:** $184k–$208k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-10
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://www.epirusinc.com/open-roles?gh_jid=6138323004

## Job description

## About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.

Job Summary: This is an exciting role in a growing company. The ideal candidate for the Senior Principal Electronics Process Engineering position is someone who has experience or can lead the implementation of a new PCB manufacturing line, with a specific focus on pallet bonding and surface mount technology (SMT) processes. This role will be instrumental in driving process development, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, and optimizing production workflows to support high-quality PCB assembly. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PCB manufacturing, SMT, and process engineering, along with experience in equipment selection, validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities:

- Lead the planning, development, and implementation of pallet bonding equipment, SMT and manual electronics assembly at low/mid volumes, ensuring adherence to quality, efficiency, and industry standards
- Identify and implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and automation solutions to optimize production workflows.
- Monitor and analyze process performance metrics, troubleshoot defects, and implement corrective actions to enhance product yield and quality.
- Partner with engineering team members in the new product introductions (NPI) by developing and iterating on board and box level assembly processes.
- Identify and implement Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis for PCB related company products
- Provide inputs to manufacturing plans and operation strategy
- Develop trainings and standards for the production technician, and engineering teams to work with implemented equipment

Basic Qualifications:

- 12+ years of experience in manufacturing/mechanical/material engineering role or production environment
- Expertise in pallet bonding techniques, surface mount technology equipment stencil design, solder paste application, reflow soldering, and AOI
- Hands-on experience with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, wave soldering, and conformal coating
- Background working with commercial electronics, including dual-use systems
- Understanding of commercial and dual-use electronics, with the ability to leverage COTS innovations to drive cost-effective, scalable solutions
- Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles.
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
- US Citizen (future security clearance may be required)

Preferred Skills and Experience:

- Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances
- Experience with automation, robots, and other factory 4.0 technologies
- Proficient in documenting detailed assembly instructions with 3D models, pictures, diagrams, and text
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization
- Knowledge of Production Systems and Lean Manufacturing elements
- Knowledge of Environmental, Health and Safety elements
- Use of SolidWorks, 2D and 3D modeling software
- Experience with RF Products, Electromechanical assembly and test
- Experience with ISO9001/AS9100 quality management systems elements

## ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR [here](https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987).

At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. [Join us and rewrite the rules.](https://www.epirusinc.com/open-roles)

As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location. For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is: $183,500—$208,000 USD

## About Epirus

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Epirus develops software-defined, solid-state high-power microwave (HPM) systems and advanced electronics to defend against drone swarms and asymmetric threats.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series D; total funding $548.4M)
- **Headquarters**: Torrance, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2018
- **Founders**: John T. and Nathan Mintz

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing – directed energy, electronic warfare, counter-UAS.
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense (Army, Navy, Marines), allied governments, and critical‑infrastructure operators (B2G, B2B).
- **Mission**: “To protect and sustain civilization” by advancing the frontiers of high-power microwave technology for asymmetric challenges.

## Products & Services
- **Leonidas™ (High‑Power Microwave System)**: Software‑defined, long‑pulse HPM platform for counter‑drone swarm operations. Defeated a 49‑drone swarm in live‑fire demonstrations. Configurable as fixed, semi‑fixed, or mobile (hitch‑mounted).
- **Leonidas H₂O**: Maritime interdiction variant for unmanned surface vessel (USV) protection.
- **Epirus Pod**: Compact, portable HPM system for special operations, de‑mining, and small‑platform integration.
- **Air Domain Awareness**: Always‑on perception systems using big data and ML to monitor, track, and mitigate UAS incursions.
- **Advanced Electronics**: Hardware/software/AI modules that enable high‑power performance across demanding use cases.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed (conflicting reports; latest funding round implied valuation significant)
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue ~$115M (2025–2026 estimate) | Total Funding $548.4M [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epirus)
- **Notable Investors**: 8VC (lead Series A), T. Rowe Price (lead Series C), M42 (lead corporate round in 2025). Other backers include Stu Shea (board member).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount of 189 (+19.8% YoY, +41 employees) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epirus)
  - $250M Series D (2025/2026) closed to hyperscale Leonidas production
  - U.S. Army contracts: $43.5M (IFPC‑HPM Gen II), $66.1M for Leonidas directed‑energy prototypes
  - Finalized delivery of four IFPC‑HPM prototypes to U.S. Army (June 2026)
  - International expansion: offices in Italy and UK, 49k+ LinkedIn followers (70.8% yearly growth)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Solid‑state, long‑pulse HPM** that is software‑defined and scalable – unlike legacy tube‑based systems.
- **AI‑driven intelligent power management** lets power‑hungry systems “do more with less.”
- **Rapid prototyping & delivery** – Leonidas was delivered to the U.S. Army in record time.
- **Proven against real‑swarm threats** – 100% kill rate in 49‑drone demonstration.
- **Modular, vehicle‑agnostic architecture** that integrates with existing sensor and weapon platforms.

## Strategic Focus
- Scaling Leonidas production capacity for critical‑asset protection (driven by $250M Series D) [epirusinc.com](https://www.epirusinc.com/)
- Expanding maritime capabilities (Leonidas H₂O) and pod‑based EW for special operations.
- Deepening partnership with U.S. Army (IFPC‑HPM program) and entering allied markets (UK, Italy).
- Continuing to invest in AI/ML for air‑domain awareness and autonomous threat identification.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Values**: Built on four pillars – Accountability, Respect, Commitment, Speed with Discipline. Described as “Neo Prime” for asymmetric warfare – fast‑paced, mission‑driven.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid/flexible with offices in Torrance (HQ), Hawthorne, and Law (innovation center). Casual dress, catered lunches, stocked kitchens.
- **Benefits**:
  - Up to 100% paid medical coverage, robust vision & dental, flex accounts.
  - Stock options (full vesting), 6% 401k match, annual dependent‑care support, monthly electronics stipend.
  - 19 paid holidays + unlimited PTO + generous parental leave.
  - Free gyms, Calm app subscriptions, unlimited mental‑health access, pet insurance.
- **Engineering Culture**: “Impossible is just a challenge” – fast iteration, cross‑functional teams, blend of startup mentality and aerospace/defense experience. Alumni from SpaceX, Anduril, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin.
- **Growth**: 40 active job postings (monthly +53.8%, yearly +100%); rapid headcount increase and major contracts signal stability and scaling.

## Sources
1. [Epirus Website](https://www.epirusinc.com/)
2. [Epirus About Page](https://www.epirusinc.com/about)
3. [Epirus Careers Page](https://www.epirusinc.com/careers)
4. [Epirus LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epirus)

## Other roles at Epirus

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- [Principal Category Manager - PCBA](https://feeny.ai/job/principal-category-manager-pcba-epirus-torrance-california-1k5hda4hxgwh) — Torrance California, United States
- [Lead, Production](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-production-epirus-torrance-california-111sdj6raphs) — Torrance California, United States
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