Principal SMT Process Engineer

About the Role

Principal SMT Process Engineer – Advanced Products Center (APC) Manufacturing Engineering organization, located in McKinney, Texas (2501 W University Dr, Wing A, Building). This hands‑on role operates in a fast‑paced, collaborative cleanroom environment, supporting RF microelectronic packaging and surface‑mount technology (SMT) within a state‑of‑the‑art Microwave Automated Factory (ISO Class 8 cleanroom). The engineer installs and qualifies new equipment, improves existing processes, and drives process‑improvement projects in collaboration with product, quality, reliability, tooling, industrial, and operations leaders.

The position is open to U.S. citizens and requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, with 5 + years in SMT manufacturing/process engineering. Strong statistical process control, experimental design, material analysis, mechanical design analysis, and root‑cause analysis skills are essential, as is the ability to work in a cleanroom and mentor junior staff.

• Provide on‑site support for high‑volume, high‑mix production, addressing factory equipment, processes, materials, and product challenges to ensure efficient operations.
• Collaborate closely with product engineers, quality engineers, reliability engineers, and manufacturing engineers.
• Develop and implement materials, processes, and process improvements using statistical process control techniques, experimental designs, material analysis, mechanical design analysis, and root‑cause analysis.
• Evaluate materials, equipment, and processes—including qualification, acceptance testing, and specification development—and interface with key internal and external suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Lead development, optimization, and control of SMT processes including paste deposition, paste and epoxy dispensing, pick‑and‑place, reflow, and inspection (SPI, AOI, X‑ray).
• Drive yield improvement initiatives using data analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and root‑cause methodologies.
• Provide design‑for‑manufacturability (DFM) feedback and ensure robust product designs by collaborating with design and product engineers.
• Support new product builds, often using automated equipment, and develop innovative solutions for next‑generation product designs.
• Drive process‑improvement projects to enhance factory productivity by integrating new technologies, qualifying new materials, and optimizing workflows.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate capital equipment to meet current production demands and future business needs.
• Communicate technical information effectively across cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of initiatives.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers and technicians; act as a subject‑matter expert.
• Spend up to 6 + hours per day in a cleanroom environment, adhering to cleanroom protocols and electrostatic discharge (ESD) procedures.
• Work primarily during the day shift (start time between 6 AM and 9 AM) with the potential for a 9/80 schedule.

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in STEM and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in SMT manufacturing/process engineering.
• Experience in high‑reliability manufacturing environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive).

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt Certification.
• Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), statistical data analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and Root‑Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) experience.
• Ability to identify key process parameters, implement process control, and solve problems with a data‑driven approach.
• Proficiency in technical writing for operator instructions, process and material qualification reports, and equipment vendor statements of work.
• Proven ability to lead projects, direct activities, and drive results.

• Our values drive our actions and performance: safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Salary range: 107,500 USD – 204,500 USD (good‑faith estimate).
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays (benefits vary by business unit and collective‑bargaining agreement).
• Potential eligibility for annual incentive compensation programs.

Security clearance: none required.

U.S. citizenship is required.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.