Senior Engineering Manager(SMT & Backend Equipment)

The Practice Centre; Tirupati; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

The Practice Centre in India seeks a Senior Process Engineering Leader to drive SMT and FATP operations in a high-volume EMS environment. You will own process adherence, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement across stages from solder paste printing to final assembly and test.

Responsibilities include leading process optimization, NPI readiness, data-driven improvement, and cross-functional collaboration with QA, production, and supply chain while ensuring safety, quality standards,

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of experience in SMT & FATP operations.
• Exposure to high-volume, automated manufacturing environments.
• Strong expertise in SMT processes & FATP operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize SMT processes (paste printing, pick & place, reflow, AOI).
• Oversee FATP operations including final assembly, testing, and packaging.
• Drive process improvement, yield, and line efficiency.
• Lead NPI readiness and line qualification for new products.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Supply Chain and R&D.

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics

Master’s in Engineering / Operations Management (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Job description

Role Purpose

To lead Process Engineering and Equipment Maintenance across SMT (Surface Mount Technology) and FATP (Final Assembly, Test & Pack) operations. The role focuses on ensuring process adherence, equipment reliability, high productivity, and continuous improvement in a high-volume EMS manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. SMT Process Engineering

• Define, implement, and optimize SMT processes (solder paste printing, pick & place, reflow, AOI)
• Drive first-pass yield improvement, defect reduction, and process capability
• Implement SPC, PFMEA, DOE for process control and improvement
• Ensure line balancing, cycle time optimization, and capacity planning
• Lead troubleshooting of SMT defects (tombstoning, bridging, solder issues, etc.)

2. FATP Operations Management

• Oversee Final Assembly, Testing & Packaging operations
• Ensure smooth integration of PCBs into final products
• Drive functional testing, calibration, burn-in, and quality validation
• Improve assembly efficiency, reduce rework, and enhance product reliability
• Ensure adherence to customer specifications and compliance standards

3. Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Ensure high uptime of SMT lines and FATP equipment
• Implement Preventive & Predictive Maintenance (PM/PDM) systems
• Manage installation, commissioning, and upgrades of machines
• Collaborate with OEMs/vendors for troubleshooting and enhancements
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards

4. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead engineering readiness for new product launches
• Drive process validation, pilot runs, and line qualification
• Work closely with design, quality, and production teams for smooth ramp-up

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D
• Drive adherence to defined processes and quality standards
• Influence stakeholders for productivity and process improvements

6. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor SMT and FATP engineering teams
• Build technical capability in advanced manufacturing & automation
• Drive performance management and skill development initiatives

7. Data-Driven Improvement

• Monitor KPIs using data analytics and ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Analyze yield, downtime, defects, and throughput
• Present insights and action plans to senior leadership

8. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain SOPs, work instructions, and engineering change management
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TPM standards

9. Cost & Efficiency Optimization

• Drive cost reduction through process improvements and waste elimination
• Improve cycle time, OEE, and overall productivity
• Manage engineering budgets and resource allocation

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics
• Master’s in Engineering / Operations Management (preferred)

Experience

• 15–20 years
• Mandatory hands-on experience in SMT & FATP operations
• Exposure to high-volume, automated manufacturing environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in SMT processes & FATP operations
• Knowledge of automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 practices
• Hands-on with SPC, PFMEA, DOE, root cause analysis tools
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• ERP knowledge (SAP preferred)
• Leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills

Certifications (Preferred)

• Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)
• TPM Certification
• ISO 9001 / ISO 14001

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• SMT & FATP equipment uptime (OEE)
• First Pass Yield (FPY) & defect reduction
• Cycle time and throughput improvement
• NPI success and ramp-up efficiency
• Compliance & audit performance
• Team productivity and retention

Note

• Role excludes Industrial Engineering
• Strong preference for candidates with end-to-end EMS exposure (SMT to FATP)