JOB SUMMARY

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer – SMT is a senior technical leader responsible for defining the strategic direction, advanced engineering capabilities, and long‑term roadmap of SMT manufacturing processes. This role drives operational excellence, leads complex cross‑functional initiatives, and mentors a team of 10+ engineers and technicians. The Principal Engineer ensures world‑class SMT performance through deep technical expertise, data‑driven decision making, and strong financial awareness, supporting both current business needs and future growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Technical Ownership

• Serve as the highest technical authority for SMT processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Develop long‑term strategies for SMT capability expansion, automation, efficiency, and quality improvement.
• Lead advanced engineering initiatives including technology scouting, digital transformation, and data‑centered process control.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align engineering strategies with site-level and global business objectives.
• Provide expert guidance for equipment selection, capital expenditure justification, and ROI evaluations.

SMT Process Expertise

• Own the end‑to‑end SMT manufacturing process, ensuring stability, capability, and continuous optimization for:
  • Solder paste printing
  • SPI systems
  • FUJI placement platforms
  • Reflow ovens and thermal profiling
• Develop, validate, and maintain data‑driven profiles and process windows to meet customer and product requirements.
• Oversee stencil design strategies, including aperture optimization and print performance analysis.
• Lead the technical execution of complex NPIs, ensuring smooth transition to mass production and readiness for scale.
• Ensure compliance with best‑in‑class manufacturing standards and industry guidelines (IPC, JEDEC, etc.).

Advanced Data Analysis & Statistical Control

• Implement and maintain statistical process control (SPC) across all SMT stages.
• Use advanced data analytics tools to identify trends, optimize parameters, and prevent defects.
• Perform DOE, regression analysis, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and machine data mining to enhance process robustness.
• Define KPIs and develop dashboards to monitor performance of equipment, quality, and throughput.

Financial & Business Acumen

• Prepare and support financial justification for capital investments, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Evaluate cost models, productivity gains, and impacts on operational efficiency.
• Participate in quoting processes for new business, providing SMT cost drivers, time analysis, and feasibility inputs.
• Identify opportunities for cost reductions through material, cycle time optimization, and improved yield.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 10+ Manufacturing Engineers and SMT Technicians.
• Build technical succession pipelines and develop high‑performance engineering culture.
• Set clear expectations, measurable objectives, and conduct ongoing performance evaluations.
• Provide technical coaching and promote a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
• Foster collaboration with cross‑functional teams including Quality, Test, Production, and Supply Chain.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Lead high‑impact root cause investigations using:
  • Ishikawa
  • 5 Whys
  • Pareto
  • DOE
• Drive continuous improvement programs focused on yield, uptime, and process efficiency.
• Promote Lean and Six Sigma principles to eliminate waste and reduce variation.
• Serve as escalation point for the most complex technical challenges in SMT.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a senior technical liaison with customers, supporting audits, technical reviews, and escalations.
• Provide expert-level communication on process capability, improvements, and manufacturing readiness.
• Collaborate with business development teams to assess new customer requirements and technical feasibility.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Technical Skills

• 8+ years of experience in SMT Manufacturing Engineering, including senior or lead roles.
• Demonstrated expertise with:
  • SMT printers
  • SPI systems
  • FUJI placement machines
  • Reflow ovens and profiling
• Strong knowledge of NPI launches and complex program management.
• Experience in PCB design fundamentals and DFM/DFX principles.
• Advanced problem-solving and statistical analysis skills (SPC, DOE, capability studies).

Software & Tools

• Proficient in data analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Python, Excel advanced, or similar).
• Experience with MES systems, machine-level data, and real-time monitoring platforms.

Soft Skills & Leadership

• Excellent communication skills, including conversational English for global interaction.
• Proven ability to manage and develop large engineering teams.
• Strong decision-making skills based on data, risk assessment, and technical depth.
• High sense of ownership, service orientation, and strategic thinking.

Financial Knowledge

• Understanding of financial metrics such as ROI, payback, depreciation, and cost modeling.
• Ability to support budget planning and evaluate process improvements with financial impact.