Senior NPI Engineering Program Manager I (SMT Process)

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

We have an aggressive schedule for development and release of next-generation de-escalation devices. The NPI group is driving changes to ensure that new products can be built at scale with high yield and low cost, and we need highly skilled, motivated, technical people to set expectations and drive results from internal and external factory and design teams. As our dedicated SMT process authority in Southeast Asia, you will close a critical gap in CM oversight, board-level failure analysis, and DFx feedback — ensuring our PCB assemblies are manufacturable, qualified, and ready to scale.

What You'll Do

Work Location: This role is based out of our Ho Chi Minh Office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Reports to: Director, NPI Engineering Direct Reports: None

As a Sr. NPI Engineering Program Manager I, you will own SMT process development, qualification, and continuous improvement for new hardware programs from concept through mass production with Southeast Asia contract manufacturers (CMs). Acting as the primary SMT technical interface between Axon's electrical design engineering teams and factory operations, you will lead DFM/DFA reviews focused on PCB layout and solderability, qualify solder paste, reflow, and selective solder processes, and interpret SPI, AOI, AXI, and ICT data to drive corrective action. You will perform board-level failure analysis, develop PFMEA and control plans, and execute DOEs to optimize process parameters and confirm capability. You will challenge CM root cause analyses, monitor yield trends, and close build readiness actions across process, equipment, materials, and quality at each APL gate.
The role requires up to 30% travel to CM sites across Southeast Asia. Success is measured by first-pass SMT yield, build schedule adherence, CM process qualification status, and reduction in board-level escapes across NPI phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute contract-manufacturer PCB assembly builds through Axon Product Lifecycle gates (SP, EVT, DVT, PVT) with clear SMT readiness metrics and exit criteria
• Lead DFM/DFA reviews with electrical design teams, focusing on board layout, component placement, land pattern design, panelization, and solderability
• Drive solder paste, reflow, wave, and selective solder process qualification at CM sites
• Specify and validate CM equipment, stencil design, and material selection (paste, flux, PCB surface finish)
• Interpret and act on SPI, AOI, AXI, and ICT data to identify and resolve process escapes before they impact yield
• Perform board-level failure analysis: solder joint characterization, cross-sectioning, delamination, pad cratering, and component failure modes
• Plan and execute DOEs for reflow profile optimization, underfill, conformal coat, and other SMT processes; confirm process capability
• Monitor yield and process capability with SPC; trigger and drive corrective actions from data trends
• Challenge CM yield data and root cause analyses; drive to verified fixes rather than accepting first answers
• Develop and maintain PFMEA, control plans, and process flow documentation for PCB assembly operations
• Support IPC standards compliance (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/21) at CM sites
• Close build readiness actions across SMT process, equipment, materials, and quality at each build phase
• Deliver concise build summaries, yield analyses, and technical updates to engineering, operations, and executive teams

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related engineering discipline; 8+ years of relevant experience
• 5+ years in SMT process engineering within an NPI or high-mix electronics manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated PCB assembly ramps with Southeast Asia contract manufacturers (reflow, wave/selective solder, BGA, fine-pitch components)
• Hands-on experience with SPI, AOI, AXI, and ICT interpretation and process response
• Board-level failure analysis: solder joint characterization, cross-sectioning, delamination, pad cratering, component failure modes
• DFM/DFA reviews for PCB layout, component selection, land pattern design, and panelization
• Process qualification and DOE execution: reflow profiles, stencil design, paste selection, underfill, conformal coat
• Statistical toolkit: DOE, GR&R, SPC, Cp/Cpk analysis applied to SMT process control
• Strong CM management instincts — able to challenge analysis, verify root cause, and drive corrective action
• Reads and interprets IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC-7711/21)
• SMT equipment familiarity: screen printers, reflow ovens, selective solder, SPI/AOI/AXI platforms
• EDA tools (Altium, Cadence, or equivalent) for PCB review and DFM markup
• Clear, concise technical communication in English across engineering, factory, and executive audiences
• Proven CM engagement across Southeast Asia; on-site factory support up to 30% travel

Nice to have

• PCBA testing experience including flying probe and bed-of-nails testers
• Tester design, bring-up, and validation through GR&R
• Conformal coating process ownership

Benefits that Benefit You

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Robust Paid Time Off policy
• Bonuses
• Lunch allowance
• Cell phone stipend
• Free LinkedIn Learning and Udemy account
• Access to 24/7 online emotional and mental support
• Gym membership
• Free parking
• Stocked fridges and pantries - free coffee, cold beverages, snacks
• Annual Company Outing Trip
• Monthly team social activities

Don’t meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Important Notes

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

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Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com.  Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.

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