Head of SMT

Air Q Limited is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of SMT to lead and oversee all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective production of electronic assemblies while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team performance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling SMT manufacturing capabilities, supporting new product introductions, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards.

• Lead and manage all SMT production activities, including planning, scheduling, setup, assembly, inspection, testing, and rework processes.
• Ensure achievement of production targets, quality objectives, and on-time delivery requirements.
• Manage production capacity, workforce allocation, and equipment utilization.
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure smooth execution of daily manufacturing activities and operational priorities.

• Develop and maintain SMT manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process controls.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and cost optimization.
• Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including:
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Throughput
• Downtime Reduction
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Ensure compliance with IPC standards, ESD requirements, safety regulations, and quality management systems.

• Oversee SMT equipment maintenance, reliability, and performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers and service providers for equipment support and upgrades.
• Support SMT line setup, process optimization, and yield improvement initiatives.
• Lead installation, qualification, and optimization of new SMT equipment.

• Support prototype builds and product development activities.
• Lead the transition of new products into serial production.
• Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) principles are incorporated.
• Collaborate with Engineering teams to validate manufacturing readiness and production processes.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing SMT team.
• Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations.
• Mentor engineers, supervisors, technicians, and operators.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee development and technical capability enhancement initiatives.

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Production teams.
• Support material readiness, production planning, and manufacturing execution.
• Participate in operational reviews and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Provide regular manufacturing and operational performance reports to management.

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading SMT manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience establishing, scaling, or optimizing SMT production environments.
• Experience supporting both prototype and serial production environments is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, including:
• Pick-and-Place Systems
• Reflow Soldering
• AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
• X-Ray Inspection
• Strong understanding of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and production planning processes.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data-driven decisions.

• Leadership
• Integrity & Professionalism
• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making
• Relationship Building
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Results Orientation

• Opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing function within a rapidly growing aerospace and UAV technology company.
• Work with advanced electronics manufacturing technologies and cutting-edge UAV systems.
• Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, operational excellence, and industry-leading solutions.

Interested candidates may share their CV to: