SMT Process Engineer

Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To: Vice President Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt

Purpose of the Role

The SMT Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality build standards, throughput efficiency, and compliance with customer requirements within a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment. This role drives continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and equipment capability to support cost, quality, and delivery targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain SMT processes, including stencil design, solder paste application, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and X-ray inspection.
• Monitor process performance using SPC and other analytics; drive actions that reduce variability and improve yields.
• Lead DFM/DFA evaluations on new product introductions to ensure manufacturability and robust process capability.
• Support customer onboarding and prototype builds through process planning, programming, tooling, and documentation.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to translate technical build requirements into efficient production setups.
• Create and optimize machine programs for SMT equipment (Mycronic).
• Establish preventive maintenance standards and partner with maintenance to ensure downtime is minimized.
• Specify and source tooling, consumables, and fixtures to meet build needs.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for internal defects, customer returns, and audit findings.
• Ensure compliance with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.) and customer specifications.
• Support internal and external quality audits with documentation, data, and technical expertise.
• Assist in maintaining accurate work instructions, process documentation, and control plans.
• Train operators and technicians on equipment setup, process controls, and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering OR equivalent technical experience.
• 3+ years of SMT process engineering experience in electronics manufacturing (preferably contract manufacturing/EMS).
• Strong knowledge of SMT equipment, solder chemistry, reflow profiling, and defect mitigation.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, machine programming software, SPC tools, and root cause methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-mix/low-volume environment.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or medical device standards.
• Lean Six Sigma training or certification.
• Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional teams.

Core Competencies

• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability.
• Results-driven with continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective communication — able to influence without authority.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline.

Apply

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