Smt Process Engineer

Job Title: SMT Process Engineer Job Description This hands-on SMT Process Engineer role focuses on supporting, owning, and continuously improving Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations within a highly regulated electronics environment. You will lead SMT process development and optimization, drive data-driven continuous improvement initiatives, and provide technical leadership and mentorship to SMT technicians. The position requires strong experience in electronics manufacturing, a solid understanding of SMT processes, and the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams while maintaining strict adherence to quality, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities + Own, develop, optimize, and sustain SMT manufacturing processes for production, ensuring stable, repeatable, and efficient operations. + Lead, instruct, and mentor a team of SMT technicians, providing technical guidance, on-the-job training, and day-to-day process support. + Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and data-driven methodologies to enhance yield, quality, and throughput. + Identify process gaps and inefficiencies, and implement robust process improvements to reduce defects and improve overall performance. + Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other process documentation in a controlled, documentation-driven environment. + Support and help implement Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ensuring accurate process control, data collection, and traceability. + Analyze process data and production metrics to identify trends, determine root causes, and define corrective and preventive actions. + Apply Six Sigma principles, statistical analysis, and SPC tools to support process control, variability reduction, and continuous improvement. + Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to resolve issues, introduce new products, and optimize production flows. + Ensure all SMT processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements, internal quality standards, and company policies. + Support circuit board and circuit card assembly processes (PCBA, CCA), including troubleshooting and improving related manufacturing steps. + Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement by actively participating in problem-solving and process review activities. Essential Skills + 2+ years of direct SMT process engineering experience in a production environment. + 5+ years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry. + 2+ years of direct experience in SOP implementation, process improvement, and MES software usage. + Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. + Strong experience with SMT process optimization and improvement, including setup, programming, and parameter refinement. + Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles and their practical application in a production setting. + Hands-on experience with SOP creation, management, and updates for manufacturing processes. + Experience with MES implementation or day-to-day usage to support process control and traceability. + Working knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and statistical/data analysis, including SPC and root cause analysis. + Experience in manufacturing engineering for circuit boards, circuit cards, and circuit card assembly (PCBA/CCA). + Demonstrated ability to lead, train, or mentor manufacturing or SMT technicians. + Strong problem-solving skills with proven experience conducting structured root-cause analysis. + Ability to work effectively in a regulated, documentation-driven environment with strict process controls. + Experience with continuous improvement in SMT, surface-mount technology, and broader manufacturing processes. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Demonstrated leadership or team-lead experience within manufacturing or engineering teams. + Experience supporting high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronics manufacturing environments. + Familiarity with ITAR or similar regulatory compliance requirements for electronics manufacturing. + Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools. + Exposure to circuit board design considerations as they relate to manufacturability and SMT processes. + Comfort working with data-driven decision-making and production metrics to guide process changes. + Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams in Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations. + Ability to thrive in a fast-growing organization undergoing significant expansion driven by customer demand. Work Environment You will work in a small, close-knit facility of approximately 32 people on-site and around 90 employees company-wide, offering a collaborative and highly visible role with direct impact on operations. The environment supports electronics manufacturing with SMT