The SMT Product Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, introduction, and continuous improvement of products in the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production environment. This role acts as a technical bridge between design engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to high-volume production with a focus on quality, cost, and manufacturability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide engineering support for new product introduction (NPI) into SMT lines, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis and process validation.
- Review and interpret Gerber files, BOMs, and assembly drawings to develop optimized SMT assembly processes.
- Collaborate with SMT programmers, process engineers, and production teams to develop robust, repeatable assembly procedures.
- Evaluate product designs for manufacturability and recommend improvements to enhance quality and reduce cost.
- Investigate and resolve product-related issues on the production floor, including yield loss, component placement errors, solder defects, etc.
- Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for product-related quality issues.
- Support ECO (Engineering Change Orders) implementation and product configuration management.
- Document and update work instructions, process flows, and technical guidelines.
- Interface with design engineers, customers, and suppliers as needed to address technical concerns.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in SMT manufacturing or product engineering.
- Strong understanding of SMT processes (screen printing, pick-and-place, reflow soldering, AOI, etc.).
- Familiarity with electronic components, PCBA design principles, and assembly standards (e.g., IPC-A-610).
- Proficient in using CAD software, Gerber viewers, and PCB analysis tools.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Hands-on experience with production troubleshooting and process improvements.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with high-reliability products (automotive, aerospace, medical devices, etc.).
- Familiarity with SPC, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
- Experience with MES/ERP systems and engineering documentation tools.
- IPC or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
