Process Engineering Technician

Entry-Level Process Engineering Technician

We are seeking an entry-level Process Engineering Technician to support daily operations on our SMT production line(s). You will be the first line of defense during product start-ups, ensuring equipment readiness, validating process parameters, troubleshooting issues at the line, and driving stable throughput with high first-pass yield. The ideal candidate brings 2–5 years of experience in one or more of the following process areas: Wave Solder, Selective Solder, Press-Fit, AOI, Screen Printing, Oven Profiling, and/or SMT Programming.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Startup & Line Readiness
  • Serve as the primary on-the-floor technical resource during NPI and product changeovers/start-ups (verify tooling, programs, profiles, and first-article validation).
  • Execute "first-board-in" checks, address quality issues, and drive to go/no-go decisions quickly and safely.
• Process Setup, Control & Optimization
  • Set up and verify screen printer parameters (squeegee pressure/speed, snap-off, alignment), manage stencil care, and confirm paste handling and environmental controls.
  • Build/validate reflow oven profiles (e.g., ramp-soak-spike, TAL, peak) using profiling tools; document and maintain golden profiles.
  • Support wave solder and selective solder recipe setup (preheat, conveyor speed, pump/settings, dwell, flux and nitrogen control) and ensure solderability and hole-fill targets.
  • Support press-fit operations (tooling setup, insertion force windows, planarity checks) and verify compliance to drawings/specs.
  • Perform and interpret AOI results; tune programs with engineering guidance to reduce false calls/escapes.
• SMT Programming & Validation
  • Assist in creating/editing SMT pick-and-place programs (e.g., Panasonic, Fuji, ASM, Juki, Yamaha) and feeders/vision libraries; verify packages, rotations, and fiducials.
• Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
  • Rapidly diagnose and contain issues related to print/placement/reflow, solder bridges, insufficient solder, tombstoning, skew, wetting, voiding, delamination, etc.
  • Use structured problem solving (5-Why, Fishbone) to drive root cause and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Partner with Quality/ME to reduce DPMO, improve FPY, and increase OEE on assigned lines.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain process documentation, work instructions, and setup sheets, record parameter changes and deviations.
  • Adhere to ESD, MSD (J-STD-033) handling, and safety requirements, support audits and operator training.

Required Qualifications

• 2–5 years hands-on experience in electronics manufacturing (SMT/PCBA) in at least one of these areas (more is a plus) Complete training will be given for all areas:
• Wave Solder Process
• Selective Solder Process
• Press-Fit Process
• AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
• Screen Printer (DEK/MPM or similar)
• Oven Profiling (KIC/ECD or similar)
• SMT Programming (Panasonic/Fuji/ASM/Juki/Yamaha, etc.)
• Familiarity with ESD controls, MSD handling, line changeover, and first-article verification.
• Ability to read schematics, assembly drawings, and BOMs; comfort with basic metrology tools and microscopes.
• Competent with common shop floor systems (MES, SPC dashboards) and basic Excel/Word for logs and reports.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset; calm under pressure during startups and line down events.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical certificate or associate degree in Electronics/Manufacturing Technology (or equivalent experience) preferred.

Nice to Have (Preferred)

• Exposure to SPI systems and AOI program optimization.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and IPC-7711/7721 standards.
• Basic soldering/rework skills (through-hole, SMD) for evaluation and containment.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, or Lean/6σ tools (Pareto, control charts, 5S, SMED).
• Understanding of RoHS/REACH, flux chemistries, solder pastes, and stencil design basics (aperture, area ratio).

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs with proper technique.
• Regular work around production equipment; use of ESD PPE and safety gear required.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend support for urgent start-ups or trials.

Why Join Us

• Be the go-to technician at the heart of our SMT operation—your work has immediate, visible impact.
• Competitive pay, benefits, training on advanced SMT equipment, and growth into Process Engineering roles.