Process Lead - SMT

Tata Electronics; Kolar; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Electronics is seeking an experienced SMT Process Engineer to own line configuration, reflow profiles, inspection strategies, and overall process architecture. You will review customer requirements, craft costed manufacturing solutions, and develop estimates for cycles, capacity, tooling, and milestones.

The role requires deep knowledge of SMT processes, IPC standards, process validation, and manufacturing industrialization, with collaboration across engineering, quality, and operations to

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engg.
• Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards, process validation, and manufacturing industrialization.

Responsibilities

• Own SMT process architecture including line configuration, beat-rate modelling, feeder/nozzle strategy, reflow profile definition, and inspection methodology (SPI/AOI/AXI).
• Review RFQs, BOMs, drawings, specs to define a compliant, costed manufacturing solution.
• Develop manufacturing estimates covering cycle times, capacity, tooling, NRE, capex, and milestones.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

Line balancing

Advanced Excel

Process validation

IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001 knowledge

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engineering

Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering/Operations

Tools

Process simulation tools

Line-balancing software

CAM software

CAM/equipment programming tools

PLM

ERP

MES

Job description

• Own SMT process architecture including line configuration, beat-rate modelling, feeder/nozzle strategy, reflow profile definition, and SPI/AOI/AXI inspection methodology.
• Review RFQs, BOMs, drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to define a compliant, costed, and executable manufacturing solution.
• Develop manufacturing estimates covering cycle times, capacity, resource loading, equipment/tooling requirements, NRE, capex, lead times, and implementation milestones.
• Define process assumptions, risks, dependencies, exclusions, and mitigation actions, ensuring alignment with bid and costing requirements.
• Evaluate manufacturing feasibility, equipment selection, and make-versus-buy options while supporting supplier technical assessments.
• Establish process acceptance criteria, validation plans, and handover deliverables for NPI and production execution.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, quality, test, automation, operations, supply chain, and finance to ensure solution integrity.
• Prepare technical justifications, process calculations, and supporting evidence for proposal reviews, customer clarifications, and management approvals.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards, process validation, and manufacturing industrialization.
• Proficiency in process simulation or line-balancing tools, advanced Excel modelling, and CAM/equipment programming tools.
• Working knowledge of PLM, ERP, and MES systems for BOM management, routing, work instructions, and traceability.
• Understanding of DFM, PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability, yield improvement, OEE, ESD, ergonomics, and operator safety requirements.

Desired Experience Level

• 8-12 years of experience in SMT Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, NPI, Manufacturing Industrialization, or EMS operations.
• Experience supporting customer RFQs, technical proposals, and manufacturing solution development within EMS or complex product manufacturing environments.
• Proven capability to develop manufacturing cost, capacity, and process estimates for new product introductions and bid opportunities.
• Experience working with global customers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to convert incomplete customer requirements into structured assumptions, risks, gaps, and executable manufacturing plans.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and customer-facing communication skills with the ability to influence technical decisions.