SME - SMT NPI/DFM

Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd.; Kolar; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. seeks an experienced Manufacturing Engineer specializing in SMT NPI and DFM to drive manufacturability improvements from design to ramp.

You will review customer design packages, define panelization and process windows, and collaborate with design, process, and supply chain teams to ensure robust production readiness. Responsibilities include creating manufacturing estimates, establishing MSL handling per J-STD standards, and leading DFM reviews to optimize cost,

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engineering, or related discipline.
• Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Strong expertise in SMT NPI, DFM, PCB assembly processes, and electronics manufacturing standards.
• Deep knowledge of Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IPC-7351, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, J-STD-020, J-STD-033.
• Proficiency in CAM tools, PCB data viewers, stencil design tools, equipment programming software, and advanced Excel modeling.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability analysis, yield improvement, OEE, ESD controls, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and MES platforms supporting BOM management, routing, work instructions, and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Own SMT NPI and DFM activities including data review and manufacturability assessment.
• Define PCB panelization strategies, stencil designs, land-pattern compliance, and process windows.
• Review RFQs, drawings, BOMs, specifications, and customer design packages for manufacturability risks.
• Develop manufacturing estimates covering cycle times, resources, tooling, fixtures, and timelines.
• Establish MSL handling, storage, baking, and assembly requirements per J-STD-020/033.
• Define process assumptions, risks, dependencies, acceptance criteria, and validation plans.
• Lead DFM reviews with customers and internal stakeholders to drive design optimization for cost/quality/yield.
• Support supplier evaluations and make-versus-buy decisions for tooling and manufacturing solutions.
• Provide technical evidence and recommendations for proposal reviews and gates.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across design, process engineering, operations, quality, test, supply chain, and manufacturing.

Skills

NPI & DFM expertise

Manufacturing readiness

Cross-functional leadership

Cost, quality, throughput optimization

Customer-facing communication

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or EEE/ECE/Mechatronics

Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAM tools

PCB data viewers

Stencil design tools

Equipment programming software

Excel modeling

Job description

• Own SMT NPI and DFM activities including Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 data review, manufacturability assessment, and process readiness evaluation.
• Define PCB panelization strategies, stencil designs, land-pattern compliance, and assembly process windows to ensure manufacturing robustness and yield performance.
• Review RFQs, drawings, BOMs, specifications, and customer design packages to identify manufacturability risks, gaps, and clarification requirements.
• Develop manufacturing estimates covering cycle times, resource loading, tooling, fixtures, NRE, capex requirements, and implementation timelines.
• Establish MSL handling, storage, baking, and assembly requirements in accordance with J-STD-020 and J-STD-033 standards.
• Define process assumptions, risks, dependencies, acceptance criteria, and validation plans supporting bid submissions and NPI execution.
• Lead DFM reviews with customers and internal stakeholders, driving design optimization for cost, quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Support supplier evaluations, process feasibility assessments, and make-versus-buy decisions for tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions.
• Provide technical evidence, calculations, and recommendations for proposal reviews, customer clarifications, and management approval gates.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across design, process engineering, operations, quality, test, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure execution readiness.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Strong expertise in SMT NPI, DFM, PCB assembly processes, and electronics manufacturing standards.
• Deep knowledge of Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IPC-7351, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, J-STD-020, and J-STD-033 standards.
• Proficiency in CAM tools, PCB data viewers, stencil design tools, equipment programming software, and advanced Excel modeling.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability analysis, yield improvement, OEE, ESD controls, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and MES platforms supporting BOM management, routing, work instructions, and traceability.

Desired Experience Level

• 12-18 years of experience in SMT NPI, DFM, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, New Product Introduction, or Manufacturing Industrialization within EMS or complex electronics manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience supporting customer RFQs, technical proposals, and design-to-manufacturing transitions for high-volume electronics products.
• Demonstrated expertise in PCB manufacturability assessments, panelization, stencil design, process validation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Experience leading customer DFM reviews and providing technical recommendations that improve manufacturability, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Strong capability in defining manufacturing process windows, yield assumptions, capacity requirements, and execution strategies for new programs.
• Experience working with global customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams across multiple time zones, with strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.