SMT Production Engineer

Hochiki Group; Hawley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP program

GP & wellbeing program

Enhanced pension

Cycle to work

Life Assurance

Referral scheme

Long service awards

Company events

Internal trainings

Volunteer day

Job summary

Kentec Electronics Ltd, part of the Hochiki Corporation, is seeking an SMT Production Engineer to support the Surface Mount Production Department. The role focuses on productivity, machine performance and efficient handling of new product introductions.

The candidate will have prior SMD experience, an HNC or equivalent in electrical/electronic engineering, and a proven ability to drive process improvements and lean manufacturing within a global fire control panel business.

Qualifications

• Must have previous experience in a Surface Mount position.
• HNC qualification or equivalent in an electrical and electronic engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.
• Monitor SPC data to identify trends and initiate corrective actions.
• Create and update maintenance procedures to minimise machine downtime.
• Develop machine operation procedures and work instructions.
• Assist in identifying and justifying new capital equipment and processes.
• Introduce lean manufacture into new product manufacture.
• Identify training requirements and carry out training within the Electronics Department.
• Carry out pre-production of new products.
• Carry out any additional functions within the business as directed by the Production Engineering Manager.
• Demonstrate technical expertise across electronic production processes.

Skills

SMD production

Process improvement

SPC data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Team collaboration

Education

HNC in electrical/electronic engineering

Tools

Europlacer

SPC software

Job description

SMT Production Engineer

Kentec Electronics Ltd, during the last 40 years, has expanded into a major worldwide manufacturer of independent fire control panels. Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top-quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec has established itself as a global leader, supplying control equipment to more than 90 countries across the world in multiple languages.

As part of the Hochiki Corporation – one of the world’s most established and respected fire detection and life safety manufacturers, with over 100 years of history – Kentec is proud to have been a valued member of the Hochiki family for the past 13 years. This partnership has strengthened our position in the global market, enabling us to deliver world-class fire control panel solutions backed by decades of innovation, quality, and reliability. Our shared values and long-standing collaboration continue to drive progress, excellence, and customer trust across the industry.

Job Purpose

To provide support to the Surface Mount Production Department.

The role will include but not be limited to:

• Working on a day-to-day basis supporting the supervisor focusing on:
• Productivity and machine performance, identifying and resolving issues.
• Reviewing daily reports generated from the SMD Production Lines to maximise performance.
• Assisting in the Introduction of new products into manufacture, introducing, refining and improving processes as necessary.
• Working closely with Production and Design Departments to ensure that new products are suitable for manufacture.
• Carry out machine programming, produce operating procedures, provide productivity reports and recommendations as necessary.

The position would suit a self-motivated person who can identify improvements and implement changes through to completion.

The successful candidate must have previous experience in a Surface Mount position and be able to contribute to the Departments performance after initial training on Europlacer equipment is completed.

Key Tasks

Main Duties and responsibilities

• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.
• Monitor SPC data to identify trends so actions can be identified and carried out.
• Create and update maintenance procedures to minimise machine downtime.
• Develop machine operation procedures and work instructions.
• Assist in Identifying and justifying new capital equipment and processes.
• Introduce lean manufacture into new product manufacture.
• Identify training requirements and carry out training within the Electronics Department
• Carry out pre-production of new products.
• Carry out any additional functions within the business as directed by the Production Engineering Manager
• Previous technical expertise in all areas of the electronic production processes.
• HNC qualification or equivalent in an electrical and electronic engineering discipline.

Job Specifics

• Working hours: Monday-Thursday: 08:30-17:00, Friday: 08:30-16:00
• 24 days holiday, in addition to bank holidays, increasing with the years of service.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Wisdom)
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Metlife)
• Support for Loved Ones during difficult times (Everest)
• Financial well-being scheme (Salary Finance)
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Enhanced workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Free Mental Health First Aid courses (M.H.F.A.)
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Internal Trainings
• Company Events
• Long Service Awards
• Employee benefits, discounts and perks (Kencheck)
• Volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year

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