Principal Process Engineer, SMT NPI

PEPPERL+FUCHS ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational company is seeking a Principal Process Engineer specialized in SMT processes to optimize production, drive innovation, and collaborate cross-functionally. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in process development and industrialization of PCBA, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective solutions. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential to succeed in this role, which involves supporting R&D and production teams extensively. Expertise in relevant technologies and standards, combined with a proactive mindset, is critical for driving process improvements and technological advancements.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of industry experience with minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in SMT and PCB assembly.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of industrial standards (IPC, J-STD, ISO).
• Self-motivated and ability to work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Establish, optimize, and maintain a stable SMT process for new product introductions.
• Act as technical authority on process innovation and collaboration across teams.
• Analyze process data to improve yield and efficiency.

Skills

Hands-on experience in SMT and PCB assembly

Knowledge of DFM / DFA

Proficient in English

Knowledge in DOE, SPC, APQP, DFSS

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics / Mechatronics Engineering

Master’s Degree or PhD in PCBA Process development

Tools

Minitab

JMP

QS-stat software

Job description

Principal Process Engineer, SMT NPI

Role Purpose:

As a Subject Matter Expert in this area, the successful person will be responsible for the following:

• Establish, optimize, and maintain a state-of-the-art, stable, and cost-efficient SMT process that supports both New Product Introduction (NPI) and volume production
• Acts as a technical authority on SMT process feasibility and innovation, ensuring seamless collaboration with R&D, Technology Development and production teams
• Achieve optimum Manufacturing by Design for Manufacturing / Assembly (DFM / DFA) inputs, review of components and material specifications, develop technical processes and tools to support industrialization of PCBAs

Major Accountabilities:

1. Technical Feasibilities & Process Development

• Conduct early-stage technical feasibility assessments of new PCBAs in collaboration with R&D during product design
• Define SMT process strategies for new designs based on complexity, component selection, board layout, and manufacturability
• Lead the development and validation of new SMT processes and technologies (e.g., fine-pitch, micro-BGA, PoP, 0201/01005 components)
• Drive prototyping and pilot builds to evaluate and refine processes prior to volume ramp-up

2. Technical Feasibilities & Process Development

• Act as the process engineering counterpart for PCBAs in PEP (Product Engineering Process) projects from concept through industrialization
• Ensure robust Design for Manufacturing (DfM) input is integrated into PCB and assembly designs early in the development phase
• Provide SMT-specific guidance on material selection, component footprint design, solder joint reliability, and stencil design

3. Process Standardization & Optimization, collaboration with Technology Development (TD)

• Lead trials and qualifications for new solder pastes, fluxes, nozzles, reflow profiles, etc
• Develop and maintain SMT process standards, best practices, and design rules in TD projects
• Analyze process data to improve yield, cycle time, and equipment utilization
• Drive continuous improvement projects leveraging Six Sigma, SPC, DOE, or Lean methodologies

4. Technology Roadmapping & Innovation

• Monitor and evaluate emerging SMT technologies, materials, and equipment
• Identify opportunities for cost savings or capability expansion through new equipment or process enhancements

5. Cross-functional Support & Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborate with Maintenance + Service, Technology Development, Procurement and Quality to resolve technical challenges
• Train production and process engineers on new technologies and process changes
• Document and communicate lessons learned and technical know-how across global teams

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible to provide R&D with DFM / DFA inputs, review component specifications and PCB layout to ensure PCBA are manufacturable with sustainable good quality by: a) Participate actively in Risk Assessment (DFMEA & PFMEA) and lead Design of Experiments (DOE); b) Review, develop and setup BoM and product structure for new PCBA; c) Provide PCBA manufacturing expertise to Business Unit and Production to meet time to market, quality and cost
• Collaborate with R&D Department to ensure industrialized PCBAs are passing through relevant laboratory and certification tests through development and implementation of quality acceptance methods for samples and prototypes
• Conceptualize, develop machines and fixtures, release production processes and parameters in Manufacturing Technologies (SMT / THT): a) Develop work instructions and methods for new PCBA; b) Verify new component solderability, process window, zero point, and pad design; c) Develop machine programs and qualifying new process parameters for various types of machines in SMT; d) Troubleshoot production processes during actual build to achieve good quality for customer
• Responsible for executing New Technology and Improvement Projects: a) Testing and implementing of new material, new tools and new machines (FAT/SAT) with Technology Development and R&D departments in Technology Project Work Packages; b) Participate & implement Technology Work Packages at SEA regional level; c) Analyze data, provide solutions for productivity improvement & structured problem solving
• Deliver PCBA NPI under new ExpressOPS initiatives: a) Industrialize new PCBAs and transfer current PCBAs between locations according to company initiatives Product Engineering Process (PEP) and Production to Production (PTP); b) Responsible as a technical lead of End-to-End prototyping needs of PCBA
  

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics / Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent education. A Master’s Degree or PhD in PCBA Process development is an added advantage
• 10-15 years of industry experience, of which a minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in industrialization and development of SMT and Printed Circuit Board Assembly during product development phase
• Industry experience and hands-on in the following SMT & Soldering technologies and setting up machine programs (Pick & Place, Stencil Development, Solder Paste Printing, Solder Paste Inspection, Reflow Soldering Profile Development, Glue Jetting, V-groove and Router De-paneling, Wave/Selective/Manual/Reflow Soldering)
• Knowledge in DOE, SPC, APQP, DFSS, and using SPC to determine the interrelations of process parameters and processes results
• Knowledge and hands-on expertise in Minitab, JMP or QS-stat software for process development, FMEA and Control plans is an advantage
• Knowledge in DFM / DFA for SMT PCBA and able to support R&D designer to design the PCBA to suit our current SMT production setup
• Possess in-depth knowledge of industrial standards (IPC, J-STD, ISO, others) & practical knowledge of design, manufacturing process, common defect (e.g. design, materials, process-related) & how to troubleshoot them from the early (design) until the late (mass production) stages for the assigned technologies
• Proficient in English for both verbal and written communication
• Able to work independently as well as in a team
• Self-motivated with great initiative and ability to work well under pressure