Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Engineer

Nokia; Thiruporur; On-site; INR 2,358,491 - 4,481,132; Full time

Job summary

Nokia is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to work on site with manufacturing partners in Malaysia. You will drive quality, process improvements, and DFM/DFA implementations across PCBA assembly and test processes, collaborating with R&D and suppliers to ensure predictable production and high yield.

The role emphasizes 8D problem solving, Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to boost efficiency and sustainability in electronics manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on manufacturing quality experience in telecom or electronics.
• Strong knowledge of SMT, wave soldering, and PCB testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvements and 8D problem solving with suppliers and R&D.
• Conduct risk assessments and drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT and soldering, for quality conformance.
• Implement and validate DFx, Lean, Six Sigma projects and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001:2015 and IPC quality standards.

Skills

SMT & wave soldering

8D problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

PFMEA

Root cause analysis

DFM/DFA

Quality tools

English communication

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronic Eng

Tools

ICT testing

Flying probe testing

Functional testing

MES

Test equipment calibration

Job description

Job Description

Nokia Network Infrastructure OPS Supply Chain Fixed Networks Continuous Improvement Engineer will primarily work onsite at one of our manufacturing partners in Malaysia. This role is critical in ensuring production yield and quality for New Product Introduction (NPI), ramp‑up, and volume products for our NI FN BBN and BBD products. The engineer will also lead customer complaint management, drive continuous quality improvements, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance supplier performance and product quality. A strong focus will be placed on PCBA manufacturing processes, advanced quality tools, lean methodologies, and smart manufacturing.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Collaborate with suppliers and R&D teams of our NI FN BBN‑BU and BBD‑BU (Business Unit) to ensure production predictability and stability at the supplier site.
• Support capacity planning and ensure consistent output with high‑quality standards at the supplier.
• Manage customer complaints using 8D reporting methodology, ensuring timely resolution and communication.
• Drive the implementation and validation of improvement and corrective actions.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide recommendations for new suppliers and process technologies.
• Oversee sustaining activities and process optimization to ensure long‑term efficiency.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement plan.
• Work with suppliers to establish and implement quality management plans using industry‑standard tools and methodologies to drive quality improvements.
• Conduct end‑to‑end audits of PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT, wave soldering, and selective soldering, to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Work with the supplier to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with the supplier and the R&D design teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied to the designs.
• Lead efforts to optimize thermal profiling, soldering processes, and ESD controls in PCBA manufacturing.
• Drive the adoption of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainability practices in PCBA manufacturing.
• Support the implementation of Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) initiatives, including process automation, real‑time monitoring, predictive maintenance and process improvements to increase efficiency and responsiveness.

Key Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on manufacturing quality experience, preferably in telecom, consumer electronics, or high‑mix, high‑volume environments.
• Advanced knowledge of SMT (Surface Mount Technology), wave soldering, and selective soldering processes.
• Familiarity with PCBA testing methods, including ICT (In‑Circuit Testing), flying probe testing, and functional testing.
• Familiarity with PCBA manufacturing processes and equipment, including:
• ESD/MSD controls
• Calibration of test equipment
• Fixture setup
• Handling of sensitive components
• Familiarity with industry standards, including:
• ISO9001:2015
• IEC60812 (FMEA)
• IEC61000 (EMC)
• IPC‑2221 (PCB design rules)
• IPC‑A‑610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies)
• IPC‑J‑STD‑001 (Solderability)
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies, including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Expertise in root cause analysis techniques, such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and Fault‑Tree Analysis.
• Strong understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• Knowledge of process automation tools and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, such as predictive maintenance and real‑time production monitoring.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles (VSM, Kaizen, ...) to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, statistical tools, ...) for process improvement and defect reduction.
• Understanding of sustainability practices in PCBA manufacturing.
• Proficiency in computer and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with large‑scale projects is a plus.
• Proficiency in Chinese is a plus, and the ability to communicate in the local language with operators and/or other manufacturing personnel is highly advantageous.
• Creative problem‑solving abilities and a proactive mindset to contribute innovative solutions in a dynamic, high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional, international teams to ensure manufacturing excellence across the product lifecycle.
• International mindset with a passion for quality and continuous improvement.

About Us

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Our Recruitment Process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

About The Team

Some of our benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
• Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
• Well‑being programs to support your mental and physical health
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
• Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
• Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
• A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development – for your role and beyond