SMT Process Engineer

Overview

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, offering end-to-end PCB solutions from design and fabrication to assembly and testing. The company supports engineers with educational resources and tools, and serves aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications industries.

Position: SMT Process Engineer. Responsible for developing, optimizing and maintaining SMT production processes to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing of electronic assemblies. Collaborates with production, quality and design teams to implement new processes, troubleshoot issues and drive continuous improvement. Requires a strong background in SMT manufacturing process engineering and a passion for innovation.

• Process Development: Design, develop and implement SMT processes to support new product introductions (NPI) and existing production lines.
• Optimization: Monitor and analyze SMT production processes to identify efficiency, quality and cost improvements.
• Troubleshooting: Provide technical support to resolve process-related issues on the production floor, including equipment malfunctions, material defects and process deviations.
• Equipment Management: Oversee the selection, installation and maintenance of SMT equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the quality team to establish process controls and standards to maintain product quality and regulatory/compliance requirements.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process flows and control plans.
• Training: Provide training and technical guidance to production staff on SMT processes, equipment operation and best practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to enhance process efficiency and product quality.
• New Technology Evaluation: Stay current with industry trends and evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve SMT processes.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field
• Experience: 3+ years as a Process Engineer in SMT manufacturing or a similar role
• Proven experience with SMT equipment, including pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, screen printers and AOI systems
• Strong understanding of SMT processes, including solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering and inspection
• Proficient in CAD/CAM software and process simulation tools
• Familiarity with IPC Standards for electronic assemblies
• Analytical skills: ability to analyze process data, identify trends, and implement effective solutions
• Communication skills: excellent oral and written communication, strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all levels of management, read/write/communicate in English
• Problem solving: strong hands-on troubleshooting and process optimization abilities
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy; self-motivated with ownership and urgency
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to visually verify fine detail work and understand/view prints and specifications; ability to complete FAI reports and communicate with customers via email
• Moderate physical lifting up to 20 lbs; some in-house/out-of-department in-process inspection

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• IPC standards certifications (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001)
• Experience in new product introduction (NPI) and design for manufacturability (DFM)

Primarily works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to equipment. The role requires regularly talking or hearing, standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 20 lbs. Some steps may be required for accessing equipment or facilities.