Board Assembly Manager, Full Time

The Board Assembly Manager is responsible for developing & executing the strategy of the Operations Department, as it relates to SparkFun’s Board Assembly responsibilities.

Pay: $1 / year

Shift: M-F 9-5

Department: Operations - Production - Board Assembly

About SparkFun

SparkFun Electronics is an open source e-retailer focused on making embedded electronics accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. SparkFun was instrumental in creating the Open Source movement and remains a leader dedicated to making it more commonplace. We strive to educate, encourage, and supply our customers in all things electronic.

In 2003, CU student Nathan Seidle shorted a programmer in his dorm room and, in lieu of a way to order easy replacements, decided to start his own company. Since then, SparkFun has been committed to sustainably helping our world achieve electronics literacy from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. No matter your vision, SparkFun’s products and resources are designed to make the world of electronics more accessible. In addition to over 2,000 open source components and widgets, SparkFun offers curriculum, training and online tutorials designed to help demystify the wonderful world of embedded electronics. We’re here to help you start something.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. SparkFun offers an abundance of opportunities to learn new skills from other Funions, in addition to many other benefits and perks.

About the Team

The Board Assembly Team is responsible for the manufacturing of over 200 unique PCBA's (printed circuit board assemblies). Quality, consistency, and efficiency are the driving metrics within The Board Assembly Team. The team consists of 10 talented individuals, each bringing their own personality and specific skill set to the table. This team is part of the larger Production Department, which is responsible for manufacturing all of SparkFun's in-house assemblies. The Board Assembly Team works closely with the rest of the Operation's Group, helping out and assisting where necessary.

SparkFun's Next Board Assembly Manager

The primary responsibility of the Board Assembly Manager is to ensure timely & efficient throughput of product in order to adequately stock the SparkFun website and the sub-assembly inventory of all in-house built PCBAs (printed circuit board assembly). This position is not only responsible for the planning and strategic execution of the Board Assembly department, but is also expected to contribute to the throughput of the department as well. Working closely with all other members of The Production Department, the Board Assembly Manager will ensure that SparkFun built products are available for sale at all times, and replenished as quickly as possible when they run out.

The next Board Assembly Manager will also maintain good working relationships with all other employees of SparkFun, especially leadership (Senior Managers and Senior Leaders), helping execute the strategic vision and mission of the company.

The right candidate will have a well rounded skill set including exemplary communication skills, strong relationship building skills, strong ability to lead discussions and drive vision and mission of the team, and the ability to hold others accountable.

Essential Job Functions

1. Responsible for personnel management, including: selection, hiring, personnel changes, coaching, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, training, and termination.
2. Manage daily workflow of the board assembly team by monitoring and managing the production schedule, evaluating the capacity at each step of the process and making necessary adjustments to move product through as efficiently as possible.
3. Contribute to the daily workflow of the board assembly team by stepping in for absent personnel, or for assistance on larger than normal orders, for any step of the entire process.
   • Machine Operations - ability to run and troubleshoot each piece of equipment
   • Final Assembly - ability to test, rework, program, and clean PCBAs
4. Responsible for continuous process improvements within the Board Assembly environment.
5. Participate in DFM(Design for Manufacturability) meetings and provide the team with input from the production perspective, ensuring the design can be built at volume in an efficient and affective way.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. 1 to 3+ years of previous management experience in a manufacturing environment
2. Experience with process creation, improvement & management
3. Communication skills, both written and verbal, on multiple levels in the organization
4. Ability to collaborate with many different members of different teams
5. Experience with data aggregation, analysis, & presentation
6. Attention to detail, adaptability, & time management skills

Additional Skills (not required, but ideal):

1. Ability to stand for long periods of time (anywhere from 2-6 hours per day)
2. Ability to lift 30+ lbs.
3. Knowledge of SparkFun catalog
4. Continuous process improvement experience
5. Soldering experience
6. PTH and SMD machine operations experience

SparkFun Benefits & Perks

SparkFun Electronics offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, in addition to several perks. In regards to benefits, we offer medical, dental, and vision insurance. And, we offer a 401k match, disability, life insurance, and PTO.

SparkFun offers many perks, including but not limited to a dog-friendly workplace, professional development opportunities, an on-site fitness center, lunch and learns, and internal classes to learn from fellow Funions! Flexible schedules are also available.