Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The SMT Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality build standards, throughput efficiency, and compliance with customer requirements within a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment. This role drives continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and equipment capability to support cost, quality, and delivery targets.
- Develop, implement, and maintain SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste application, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and X-ray inspection.
- Monitor process performance using SPC and other analytics; drive actions that reduce variability and improve yields.
- Lead DFM/DFA evaluations on new product introductions to ensure manufacturability and robust process capability.
- Support customer onboarding and prototype builds through process planning, programming, tooling, and documentation.
- Collaborate with customers and internal teams to translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups.
- Create and optimize machine programs for SMT equipment (Mycronic).
- Establish preventive maintenance standards and partner with maintenance to ensure downtime is minimized.
- Specify and source tooling, consumables, and fixtures to meet build needs.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for internal defects, customer returns, and audit findings.
- Ensure compliance with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.) and customer specifications.
- Support internal and external quality audits with documentation, data, and technical expertise.
- Assist in maintaining accurate work instructions, process documentation, and control plans.
- Train operators and technicians on equipment setup, process controls, and quality requirements.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering OR equivalent technical experience.
- 3+ years of SMT process engineering experience in electronics manufacturing (preferably contract manufacturing/EMS).
- Strong knowledge of SMT equipment, solder chemistry, reflow profiling, and defect mitigation.
- Proficiency with CAD tools, machine programming software, SPC tools, and root cause methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).