First Article Engineer
Job Description
First Article Engineer - 1st Shift $25-$27/hr DOE
** Soldering assesment required as a part of the interview process**
First Article Engineer
1. JOB SUMMARY
The First Article Engineer supports new product introduction by coordinating and executing First Article builds to verify manufacturing readiness, production capability, and completeness of required engineering documentation. The position works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Account Management to identify and resolve build issues, improve manufacturing methods, and support timely completion of First Article requirements.
2. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
A. First Article Planning & Readiness
Review released First Article work orders and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, material and tooling readiness.
B. First Article Build Execution
Assemble First Article units and/or work directly with applicable production areas to verify that the product can be manufactured using released documentation, tooling, equipment, and established processes. Support completion of the First Article lot in accordance with schedule requirements.
C. Build Accuracy & Verification
Maintain close attention to detail during initial builds to help ensure the First Article lot conforms to applicable drawings, specifications, workmanship requirements, inspection criteria, and test requirements.
D. Issue Resolution & Rework
Perform or coordinate authorized rework resulting from in-process or final inspection/test findings. Promptly communicate build, documentation, material, tooling, inspection, or test issues to the Engineering Manager and other applicable functions.
E. Manufacturing Methods & Capability
Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods for new product introduction using knowledge of assembly methods, tooling, production equipment capabilities, test methods, and quality-control requirements. Identify opportunities to simplify documentation, improve manufacturability, and reduce First Article delays or rework.
F. Tooling, Fixtures & Test Adapters
Fabricate or coordinate fabrication of harness boards, test adapters, fixtures, and other production aids required to support First Article builds and subsequent production readiness.
G. Engineering Documentation Control
Update or coordinate updates to cut lists, wire schedules, BOMs, Manufacturing Instructions (MI), and related information in applicable systems as required and within assigned authority.
H. Nonconformance & Root Cause Support
Assist with investigation and evaluation of in-process, final, and returned-product nonconformances associated with First Article or newly introduced products. Support determination of root cause and appropriate corrective action.
I. Standards & Requirements
Apply applicable IPC/WHMA-A-620, ISO/QMS, customer-specific, drawing, specification, and workmanship requirements during First Article builds. Support development or revision of rocess or workmanship standards when new product introduction identifies a documented need.
J. Cross-Functional Communication
Provide clear and timely status, technical information, risks, and unresolved issues to Engineering, Production, Quality, Account Management, and other applicable personnel.
3. AUTHORITY
4. KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
5. OTHER FUNCTIONS
6. JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
Skills / Characteristics
7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
** Soldering assesment required as a part of the interview process**
First Article Engineer
1. JOB SUMMARY
The First Article Engineer supports new product introduction by coordinating and executing First Article builds to verify manufacturing readiness, production capability, and completeness of required engineering documentation. The position works closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Account Management to identify and resolve build issues, improve manufacturing methods, and support timely completion of First Article requirements.
2. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
A. First Article Planning & Readiness
Review released First Article work orders and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, material and tooling readiness.
B. First Article Build Execution
Assemble First Article units and/or work directly with applicable production areas to verify that the product can be manufactured using released documentation, tooling, equipment, and established processes. Support completion of the First Article lot in accordance with schedule requirements.
C. Build Accuracy & Verification
Maintain close attention to detail during initial builds to help ensure the First Article lot conforms to applicable drawings, specifications, workmanship requirements, inspection criteria, and test requirements.
D. Issue Resolution & Rework
Perform or coordinate authorized rework resulting from in-process or final inspection/test findings. Promptly communicate build, documentation, material, tooling, inspection, or test issues to the Engineering Manager and other applicable functions.
E. Manufacturing Methods & Capability
Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods for new product introduction using knowledge of assembly methods, tooling, production equipment capabilities, test methods, and quality-control requirements. Identify opportunities to simplify documentation, improve manufacturability, and reduce First Article delays or rework.
F. Tooling, Fixtures & Test Adapters
Fabricate or coordinate fabrication of harness boards, test adapters, fixtures, and other production aids required to support First Article builds and subsequent production readiness.
G. Engineering Documentation Control
Update or coordinate updates to cut lists, wire schedules, BOMs, Manufacturing Instructions (MI), and related information in applicable systems as required and within assigned authority.
H. Nonconformance & Root Cause Support
Assist with investigation and evaluation of in-process, final, and returned-product nonconformances associated with First Article or newly introduced products. Support determination of root cause and appropriate corrective action.
I. Standards & Requirements
Apply applicable IPC/WHMA-A-620, ISO/QMS, customer-specific, drawing, specification, and workmanship requirements during First Article builds. Support development or revision of rocess or workmanship standards when new product introduction identifies a documented need.
J. Cross-Functional Communication
Provide clear and timely status, technical information, risks, and unresolved issues to Engineering, Production, Quality, Account Management, and other applicable personnel.
3. AUTHORITY
- Identify and document First Article build, documentation, tooling, material, inspection, or test issues and escalate conditions that may affect product conformity, manufacturability, or schedule.
- Request clarification or correction of incomplete, conflicting, or inaccurate engineering/manufacturing documentation before or during First Article execution.
- Recommend manufacturing-method, tooling, fixture, documentation, or process improvements based on First Article build results and observed production capability.
- Perform product rework and documentation updates only within assigned authority and in accordance with approved procedures, customer requirements, and applicable change-control requirements.
4. KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
- First Article work orders are reviewed for readiness and progressed in accordance with established priorities and schedule requirements.
- First Article builds are completed accurately, with issues identified early and communicated to the appropriate functions.
- Engineering and manufacturing documentation supporting First Articles is accurate, complete, controlled, and updated as required.
- Recurring causes of First Article delay, rework, inspection/test failure, or documentation deficiency are identified and supported with appropriate improvement actions.
- Harness boards, test adapters, fixtures, and other required production aids are available to support assigned First Article activities.
- Cross-functional communication is timely, factual, and supported by appropriate technical information and objective evidence.
- Applicable IPC, QMS, customer, drawing, specification, inspection, and test requirements are consistently followed.
5. OTHER FUNCTIONS
- May be cross-trained in wire, cable, and mechanical assembly processes, as well as applicable testing and inspection functions, to support First Article and production-readiness activities.
- Support development or revision of process and workmanship standards resulting from new product introduction.
6. JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education / Experience
- Associate degree in a technical discipline preferred; an equivalent combination of education and directly related electro-mechanical manufacturing experience may be considered. Minimum of five years of applicable experience.
- Ability to read and understand component drawings, schematics, procedures, and specifications, including dimensions and tolerances. Working knowledge of IPC/WHMA-A-620, basic test and measuring equipment, electro-mechanical assembly methods, and manufacturing documentation.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and MRP/ERP systems.
Skills / Characteristics
- Strong attention to detail; effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; practical problem solving; ability to work hands-on with production personnel; ability to manage assigned priorities and schedules; and ability to recognize and escalate issues that may affect product conformity or First Article completion.
7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Approximately 75% electrical/mechanical production environment and 25% office work.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform bending and squatting as required for assembly, tooling, testing, and inspection activities.
- Occasional handling or lifting of equipment, cable assemblies, fixtures, or related materials within established safety requirements.
- Required personal protective equipment may include safety shoes and eye protection in designated functional areas.
- Travel and overtime may be required.
- #MS-CBENG
Meet Your Recruiter
Jennifer Lyons
Senior Recruiter & Payroll Specialist
Jenni comes to Marquee Staffing with an extensive background in accounting and business administration. She has been a valued member of the Marquee Staffing team since 2015, bringing years of experience, dedication, and a passion for connecting talented individuals with the right career opportunities. Jenni earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Oklahoma State University, further strengthening her knowledge and expertise in business and leadership.
Outside of work, Jenni enjoys spending quality time with her family and dogs, as well as working out. She also loves pampering herself and enjoying beauty and self-care routines. Jenni believes in maintaining a healthy balance between a rewarding career, family, and making time for the things that bring her joy.
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