Smt Process Engineer

Base pay range

$80,000.00/yr - $/yr

The Surface Mount Process Engineer is responsible for the development, optimization, and support of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes within a high‑mix, low‑to‑medium‑volume PCBA contract manufacturing environment. This role ensures that all SMT production equipment, processes, and personnel operate effectively and efficiently to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals. The Engineer serves as a subject‑matter expert (SME) in SMT and supports continuous improvement through data analysis, root‑cause investigation, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Provide technical leadership for SMT assembly processes, including stencil printing, solder paste inspection (SPI), pick and place, reflow soldering, X‑ray, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
• Program and optimize SMT equipment (e.g., screen printers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, SPI, AOI, and X‑ray machines).
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement root‑cause corrective actions to eliminate process defects and downtime.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs), process control plans, and equipment setup procedures.
• Drive process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to increase yields, reduce cycle times, and improve overall process efficiency.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews in collaboration with customers and design engineers to ensure product designs align with best manufacturing practices.
• Lead SMT line qualification activities, including equipment validation, process capability studies (CPK), and first article inspections (FAI).
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, line efficiency, and first pass yield (FPY).
• Provide training and technical support to operators and technicians to ensure proper process execution.
• Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and new product introduction (NPI) activities to ensure smooth production ramp‑up.
• Evaluate and qualify new materials, tools, and process technologies for SMT operations.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to ensure adherence to IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001 standards for soldering and assembly.
• This position does not include direct supervisory responsibilities but may mentor or train junior engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Other duties may be assigned as required.

• IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001 certifications preferred.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean Manufacturing certification is a plus.

• Proficient in programming and operating SMT equipment including screen printers (e.g., DEK, MPM), pick and place machines (e.g., Fuji, Yamaha, Panasonic, Juki), reflow ovens (e.g., Heller, Vitronics) including thermal profiling, SPI and AOI systems (e.g., Koh Young, Cyber Optics, Mirtec), and X‑ray inspection systems for BGA, QFN, and hidden joint analysis.
• Strong knowledge of SMT stencil design, solder paste behavior, and solder joint inspection criteria.
• Skilled in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) analysis.
• Experienced in process documentation, work instruction development, and production routing using MES tools (e.g., Aegis Factory Logix).
• Capable of performing process capability studies (Cpk) and statistical process control (SPC) analysis.
• Proficient in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram).
• Familiar with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement principles.
• Working knowledge of IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001 standards for electronic assembly.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables, data analysis, charts).
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) for BOM, ECO, and production control.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software for PCB layout review (e.g., Altium, Mentor Valor) is a plus.
• Understanding of ESD safety standards and proper handling procedures.

Entry level

Full‑time

Manufacturing

Electrical Equipment Manufacturing

All qualified applicants will…