Smt Process Engineer

Job Title:

SMT Process Engineer Job Description

• Develop, implement, and maintain SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to meet production, quality, and cost objectives.
• Support SMT production lines including stencil printing, solder paste inspection (SPI), pick-and-place, reflow soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), and selective or wave solder processes.
• Optimize SMT programming, feeder setup, machine utilization, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Analyze and resolve process issues related to solder defects, component placement, reflow profiles, PCB handling, and overall assembly quality.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), PFMEA, control plans, and engineering change documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve manufacturing performance and product reliability.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), prototype builds, process validation, and production launches for SMT and PCBA assemblies.
• Develop and validate reflow profiles for both leaded and lead-free soldering processes.
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing metrics including first pass yield (FPY), scrap, downtime, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and defect reduction.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities for SMT equipment to ensure stable and reliable operation.
• Evaluate and recommend tooling, fixtures, process improvements, and automation opportunities to enhance productivity and quality.
• Assist in customer audits, internal audits, and compliance activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with ESD controls, IPC standards, IATF-related requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Train production operators and technician staff on SMT process improvements, best practices, and proper use of equipment and documentation.

• 37+ years of SMT/PCBA engineering experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and PCB assembly techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with solder paste, AOI, SPI, X‑ray inspection, and traceability systems in an SMT environment.
• Experience developing and optimizing reflow profiles and soldering processes for leaded and lead‑free applications.
• Experience programming and maintaining SMT equipment and related production machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing defects, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Knowledge of IPC standards including IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, as well as ESD control practices.
• Experience with MES, ERP, and manufacturing documentation systems.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed process documentation, work instructions, SOPs, PFMEA, and control plans.
• Strong process development and process engineering skills in SMT assembly and PCBA manufacturing.

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with SMT equipment platforms such as Panasonic NPM (preferred), Yamaha, Fuji, ASM, Juki, Universal, or similar systems.
• Experience with box build, conformal coating, dispensing machines, and PCB soldering processes.
• Familiarity with IATF-related requirements and automotive quality methodologies including APQP, PPAP, and PFMEA.
• Experience with AOI, SPI, X‑ray inspection, and traceability systems is preferred.
• Understanding of automotive quality expectations and structured problem‑solving approaches.
• Ability to work effectively in…