SMT Process Engineering Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced SMT Process Engineering Manager to lead our process engineering team and drive measurable improvements in yield, quality, and defect reduction across our surface mount technology manufacturing operations. This is a strategic leadership role — you will set direction, build systems, and develop your team while owning our process performance outcomes end-to-end.

Our engineering team is experienced and technically strong. What we need is a leader who can channel that talent into structured, data-driven problem solving and build a culture of continuous improvement that sticks.

Key Responsibilities

Yield & Defect Reduction

• Own the company's defect reduction roadmap — set priorities, track progress, and report outcomes to senior leadership.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts on systemic yield issues using structured methodologies (8D, DMAIC, or equivalent).
• Establish and maintain SPC systems, control plans, and process capability metrics (Cpk) across all SMT lines.
• Drive Pareto-based defect prioritization and ensure the team is focused on highest-impact opportunities.

Process Ownership

• Oversee all SMT process disciplines including solder paste printing, pick & place, reflow, and inspection (SPI, AOI, AXI).
• Develop, document, and continuously improve process standards and work instructions in alignment with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001.
• Ensure process controls are robust across a balanced mix of product types and changeover scenarios.
• Partner with NPI team in support of product introductions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process engineers — setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and building technical capability.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture that engages operators and technicians as partners in quality.
• Build a defect visibility and feedback loop culture on the floor without creating a blame environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary engineering interface for quality, production, and customer-facing escalations related to process performance.
• Translate yield data and process trends into clear, actionable communication for operations leadership and customers.
• Partner with supply chain and materials teams on solder paste, flux, and component-related process issues.

Qualifications

Required

• 7+ years of experience in SMT process engineering, with at least 2–3 years in a people leadership or team lead role.
• Demonstrated track record of driving quantifiable yield improvements (e.g., PPM reduction, DPMO improvement, first pass yield gains).
• Hands-on expertise across the SMT process — paste printing, reflow profiling, pick & place, and inspection systems.
• Proficiency with SPC tools, MSA, and process capability analysis.
• Strong working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001; CIS or CIT certification a plus.
• Experience in a mixed-product manufacturing environment.
• Structured problem-solving skills — 8D, DMAIC, or equivalent methodology.

Preferred

• Experience in EMS, storage device, automotive electronics, or medical device electronics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with MES and defect tracking systems.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with DFM/DFA review as part of the NPI process.

What We're Looking For

Beyond the technical qualifications, we are looking for a leader who:

• Leads through influence and data, not just authority.
• Knows when to roll up their sleeves and when to develop the team to solve it.
• Communicates clearly — whether on the floor with an operator or in a review with a customer.
• Holds the team to a high standard while building the systems that make that standard achievable.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, vision, etc.
• PTO / vacation
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on a growing operation.