SMT PROCESS ENGINEER

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.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county , to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.