NPI SMT Process Engineer

NPI SMT Process Engineer

As the NPI SMT Process Engineer, you lead the development, optimization, and transition of new PCBAs into manufacturing within a high-mix, low-volume electronics environment at North Atlantic Industries. With a minimum of five years of experience, you serve as a technical liaison between Engineering and Production, ensuring scalable, high-reliability SMT processes that support advanced defense, aerospace, and industrial electronics.

Requirements

Lead new product introduction (NPI) activities for SMT-based electronic assemblies in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment, from prototype builds through full-rate production. Serve as the primary technical liaison between Design Engineering and Production, ensuring clear communication and alignment throughout the NPI lifecycle. Develop, validate, and document robust SMT manufacturing processes including solder paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, and automated inspection (AOI/X-ray). Work with Design Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) reviews to ensure efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. Define and recommend tooling, fixtures, and equipment requirements to support complex SMT and mixed-technology PCB assemblies. Run NPI manufacturing line on pilot, and low-volume production builds, resolving issues and optimizing the process before handing off to Production. Work with Quality and Process Engineering to drive improvements to improve yield and product reliability. Make technical recommendations on the procurement of new SMT equipment and technologies to keep pace with new design requirements & industry advancements. Ensure compliance with IPC standards, internal quality systems, and applicable customer and regulatory requirements. Candidates must be a U.S. Person, defined as either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), and must be able to provide appropriate documentation upon hire to verify this status. Please note that some positions involve sensitive customer contracts and require U.S. citizenship as a condition of employment.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience supporting SMT and PCBA manufacturing. Demonstrated experience working in a high-mix, low-volume electronics manufacturing setting. Proven experience supporting NPI SMT builds and transitioning high-reliability electronic products into production. Solid understanding of PCB fabrication, component packaging, and electronic assembly processes. Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team player across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations. Working knowledge of IPC standards such as IPC-A-600, IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001, and IPC-7351.