The Senior SMT PCBA Manufacturing / Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) manufacturing processes to achieve world-class performance in quality, cost, delivery, and productivity. The role provides technical leadership for NPI, process validation, yield improvement, equipment qualification, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement projects while supporting high-volume production and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Process Engineering & Manufacturing Support
- Own SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes from stencil printing through reflow, AOI, SPI, selective soldering, wave soldering, depanelization, coating, and final assembly.
- Develop and maintain process flows, control plans, PFMEA, work instructions, and process specifications.
- Lead process troubleshooting and root cause investigations for manufacturing issues.
- Drive yield, throughput, and cycle-time improvement initiatives.
- Establish process controls to ensure stable and repeatable production performance.
- Monitor process capability (Cp/Cpk) and implement corrective actions when required.
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead DFM and DFA reviews during product development.
- Support manufacturing readiness activities for new product introduction.
- Define manufacturing process requirements, tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
- Lead pilot builds, engineering builds, and production ramp-up activities.
- Develop manufacturing documentation and train production personnel.
- Manage product transfer activities between sites or customers.
- SMT Process Optimization
- Optimize the following process areas:
- Solder paste printing
- Placement processes
- Reflow profiles
- AOI inspection programs
- SPI inspection strategies
- Selective soldering parameters
- Wave soldering parameters
- Establish process windows and operating limits.
- Improve first-pass yield and reduce defect opportunities.
- Analyze defect trends and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Equipment & Automation
- Lead equipment selection, qualification, installation, and commissioning.
- Support SMT printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, SPI systems, AOI systems, X-Ray systems, and selective soldering equipment.
- Develop and implement automation solutions to improve productivity.
- Support Industry 4.0 manufacturing initiatives and digitalization programs.
- Quality & Validation
- Lead IQ, OQ, PQ, Process Validation, and Test Method Validation activities.
- Perform Gauge R&R, MSA, SPC, and process capability studies.
- Review and update PFMEA, Control Plans, and Risk Assessments.
- Support customer, ISO, and regulatory audits.
- Ensure compliance with IPC standards and customer requirements.
- Continuous Improvement
- Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
- Facilitate DMAIC projects, Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and OEE improvement projects.
- Drive cost reduction through yield improvement, labor optimization, material savings, automation, and cycle-time reduction.
- Establish KPI dashboards and performance monitoring systems.
- Technical Leadership
- Mentor Process Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers.
- Provide technical coaching to technicians and production teams.
- Lead cross-functional problem-solving activities.
- Interface directly with customers regarding technical challenges and improvement initiatives.
- Lead engineering reviews and manufacturing readiness assessments.
Technical Requirements
SMT & PCBA Expertise
Strong technical knowledge of:
- SMT process development
- Stencil design and solder paste technology
- Pick-and-place programming
- Reflow profiling and optimization
- AOI and SPI systems
- X-Ray inspection techniques
- Wave soldering
- Selective soldering
- PCB defect analysis
- Conformal coating processes
- PCBA assembly technologies
Engineering Tools
Proficiency in:
- SPC and Minitab
- DMAIC and Lean Six Sigma
- PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, and Control Plans
- 8D Methodology, Fishbone Analysis, and 5 Why Analysis
- Time Study and Capacity Analysis
- AutoCAD (preferred)
- MES and manufacturing systems
Quality & Compliance
Strong understanding of:
- IPC-A-610
- IPC J-STD-001
- IPC-7711/7721
- ISO 9001
- ISO 13485 (preferred)
- FDA 21 CFR Part 820 (preferred)
- ESD control programs
- Change control systems
- CAPA processes
Education & Experience
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum Experience
- 8+ years of SMT/PCBA manufacturing engineering experience.
- Minimum 5 years supporting high-volume SMT production.
- Experience with NPI, process validation, and yield improvement.
Preferred Experience
- 10+ years in electronics manufacturing services (EMS).
- Experience in a major EMS or equivalent high-mix electronics manufacturing environment.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience leading manufacturing transfer projects and multi-site deployments.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Performance Measure
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Defect Rate (DPMO/PPM)
- OEE Improvement
- SMT Placement Efficiency
- Reflow Yield
- Cost Reduction Achievement
- Cycle Time Reduction
- NPI Ramp Success
- Corrective Action Closure
- Customer Quality Performance
- Equipment Utilization
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