SMT Manufacturing Engineer

Description:

Overview

Patton is seeking a hands-on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer who will own our SMT cell end-to-end-planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement. This player‑coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Line Leadership (Lead Operator)
- Plan and execute daily SMT schedule; organize kitting, feeder setup, first-article builds, and line changeovers.
- Operate and oversee stencil printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and stencil cleaning per manufacturer guidance and Patton procedures.
- Perform first-article inspection, AOI review/verification, and in-process checks to IPC-A-610 standards.
- Train and mentor operators/technicians; enforce ESD, safety, and 5S.

Process & Manufacturing Engineering
- Develop and maintain SMT processes including solder paste selection, print parameters, placement optimization, reflow profiling, and AOI programming.
- Generate and maintain work instructions, setup docs, and process control plans; drive DFM with Design Engineering.
- Specify, program, and improve automated equipment; define preventive maintenance and calibration plans.
- Establish and sustain standards/routings in ERP and ensure BOM/routing alignment.
- Lead root-cause/corrective action for defects and drive yield/cycle-time improvements.

Quality, Compliance & Readiness
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620.
- Support NPI transfers, build readiness reviews, and configuration control.

Required Qualifications
- 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation.
- Proficiency with stencil print, placement, reflow profiling, and AOI.
- Strong soldering/inspection skills to IPC-A-610; capable of basic SMT rework.

- Experience with work instructions, routings, and ERP systems.
- Ability to lead operators while performing hands-on work.

Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's in Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Hands-on DFM experience, panelization, and capability studies.
- Knowledge of IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620 and ISO 9001.

Attributes
- Player-coach mindset, data-driven, strong ownership, and cross-functional communication skills.

Working Conditions
- On-site manufacturing; standing for extended periods; handling small components; lifting up to 30 lbs.