Assembly Process Engineer

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors.

Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

The Assembly Process Engineer is the architect of production line for the Electro-Mechanical Assembly of state-of-the-art Liquid Cooling Data Center Infrastructure Products. The primary mission is to design, implement, and optimize the sequences used to transform individual components into a finished product. This role sits at the intersection of design and manufacturing, ensuring that products are built efficiently, safely, and at the highest possible quality.

Job Title: Assembly Process Engineer – Liquid Cooling Data Center Infrastructure Products

Location: Houston, TX

Reports to: Plant Manager

The Assembly Process Engineer will be the subject matter expert responsible for the design, optimization, and control of complex mechanical assembly lines and automated production systems. This role ensures the assembly environment operates at peak efficiency, maintains the highest product quality standards, and adheres to strict safety and ergonomic regulations. The engineer will play a critical role in commissioning, auditing, and continuous improvement projects for both manual and automated assembly cells.

Process Development and Optimization

• Design and Implement: Develop, document, and standardize optimal assembly process parameters (e.g., cycle times, torque specifications, press-fit forces, and sequencing) for all stages of the production line.
• System Upgrades: Lead technical efforts for the renovation and integration of new assembly equipment, such as robotic workstations, conveyor systems, and automated fastening mechanisms.
• Automation: Optimize the performance of advanced assembly technology, including multi-axis robotic arms and vision-guided systems, to maximize throughput and minimize manual intervention.
• Line Balancing: Expertly manage and optimize the multi-stage assembly flow, focusing on Lean Manufacturing principles to ensure smooth hand-offs between workstations and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Track and control the physical layout of workstations (e.g., bin placement, tool reach, lighting) and environmental factors to ensure operator safety and efficiency.
• Support the transition and qualification of new assembly fixtures and "poka-yoke" (error-proofing) systems across different plants.

Quality, Audit, and Troubleshooting

• Failure Analysis: Actively troubleshoot and implement corrective actions for assembly defects (e.g., misalignment, fastening failures, cosmetic damage, or functional non-conformance).
• Tolerance Management: Closely monitor and manage component tolerances and fitment (e.g., interference fits, gap and flushness) to ensure parts meet material specifications and investigate deviations.
• Testing: Conduct and oversee rigorous performance testing, including End-of-Line (EOL) functional tests and leak testing for conditional and final product approvals.
• Documentation: Create and maintain detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (
  PFMEA
  ), and technical audit reports for all assembly operations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering
  , or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Assembly Engineer in a high-volume industrial environment.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Demonstrated expertise in mechanical assembly, fastening technologies, and material handling systems.
  • Strong knowledge of automated assembly equipment, PLC logic, and robotic integration.
  • Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Core Competencies:
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills (DOE, Root Cause Analysis, 8D).
  • Proficiency in project management, including managing vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver capital projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong communication skills to provide technical guidance and training to production staff and technicians.