Common Questions
Questions about working with me, what to expect, and how engagements are structured. Don't see your question? Just ask.
I'm an independent consultant based in Palos Verdes Estates, CA with over a decade of hands-on experience in avionics and defense PCBA manufacturing. The Napolitan Consulting LLC is my California-registered consulting entity through which I provide PCBA/SMT process consulting, DFM review, web design, and 3D product design services.
Every engagement is handled personally by me — there are no subcontractors or junior staff involved. When you hire The Napolitan, you get Chris.
My PCBA background is deepest in avionics, aerospace, and defense — high-reliability, high-consequence assemblies where process discipline matters most. I also have experience with consumer electronics (high-volume environments) and commercial manufacturing.
For web design and product design, I work with any industry — engineering firms, small businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs.
Both, depending on the engagement. DFM reviews, SOP development, web design, and most consulting work can be done fully remotely. For SMT line audits, equipment setup, or hands-on process work, on-site visits are available — primarily in the Southern California area, with travel available for the right engagement.
A typical audit covers the full process flow: incoming materials inspection, stencil printer setup and SPI thresholds, pick-and-place program review and feeder management, reflow profile validation, and post-reflow inspection criteria.
I review existing SOPs, observe production (on-site or via documentation), and deliver a written findings report with prioritized recommendations. Critical findings that can be addressed immediately are flagged separately from longer-term improvements.
Yes. I can help with IPC-A-610 interpretation for specific assembly conditions, workmanship standard questions, and developing inspection checklists tailored to your assembly class (Class 1/2/3). I can also support first article inspection and document nonconformance decisions relative to IPC criteria.
Yes — conformal coating, underfill, and staking are part of my hands-on background. I have experience with Parylene C, Arathane 5750, and related chemistries, including rework and repair processes. I've developed SOPs for both automated (Comco AccuFlo) and manual application processes.
Gerber (RS-274X) or ODB++ are preferred. I can also work from native Altium, KiCad, or Eagle exports. For BGA and fine-pitch analysis, IPC-2581 is also acceptable. The more complete the package (fab notes, stackup, BOM, assembly drawings), the more thorough the review.
Turnaround depends on board complexity. A straightforward 2-layer board with simple components can be reviewed in 1–2 business days. A complex multilayer board with BGAs, fine-pitch ICs, and via-in-pad typically takes 3–5 business days. Rush review is available for time-sensitive tape-outs.
The report includes:
No — I build custom sites from code, not page builders. This means faster load times, complete design control, no monthly platform fees for the site itself, and code you actually own. Sites are deployed on Vercel with GitHub-based CI/CD, so updates are as simple as editing a file.
That said, if a client specifically needs a CMS for non-technical staff to edit content, I can integrate solutions like Contentlayer or Sanity into a custom build.
A polished multi-page landing site like this one typically takes 1–2 weeks from kickoff to live deployment, depending on content readiness. A full web application with user auth, database, and complex features takes 4–8 weeks. Timeline is largely driven by how quickly content and feedback is provided.
Yes — ongoing maintenance, content updates, and feature additions are available. All sites come with 30 days of included post-launch support. After that, maintenance can be handled on a retainer or per-request basis.
Send a message through the contact form or email chris@thenapolitan.com directly. Describe what you're working on and what you need. I'll respond within one business day and we'll schedule a brief call to scope the work.
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is standard practice — many of my clients operate in defense and aerospace where it's required. I'm comfortable signing mutual or one-way NDAs before any technical information is shared.
Yes — in fact, startups and small engineering teams are often the best fit. Large companies have internal resources; smaller teams benefit most from targeted expert engagement without the overhead of a consulting firm. I can right-size the engagement to match your budget and stage.
Pricing is project-based or hourly depending on the engagement type. DFM reviews are typically fixed-price based on board complexity. SMT consulting is usually scoped per-project or on a daily rate for on-site work. Web design is fixed-price per project. Retainer arrangements are available for ongoing work.
I don't post rates publicly because every engagement is different — a 15-minute call is all it takes to scope something and get you a quote.
For project-based work, I typically require 50% upfront and 50% on delivery. For longer engagements, milestone-based billing can be arranged. DFM reviews for new clients are typically paid in full upfront given the short turnaround.
I stand behind my work. If deliverables don't meet the agreed scope, I'll revise them. I build in a revision round for all project-based work and maintain open communication throughout every engagement so there are no surprises at delivery.
Send it directly — I'll get back to you within one business day.
Ask a Question →