DFA Engineer 1

Sierra Circuits, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Sierra Circuits, Inc. is seeking an experienced SMT DFA Engineer in San Jose, CA. The role involves optimizing assembly processes and collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to improve PCB manufacturability. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of SMT/DFA engineering experience. Responsibilities include process development, troubleshooting, and leading continuous improvements. The position offers competitive compensation ranging from $75,000 to $120,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in SMT/DFA engineering in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience in troubleshooting and enhancing SMT assembly processes.
• Ability to analyze and optimize PCB designs for manufacturability.

Responsibilities

• Analyze PCB designs and provide feedback for manufacturability improvements.
• Develop and maintain SMT assembly processes.
• Provide technical support for SMT assembly lines.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in SMT production.
• Conduct Design for Manufacturability analysis on products.

Skills

Strong understanding of SMT assembly processes

Proficiency in Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Experience with SMT programming

Familiarity with PCB design tools

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Cadence Allegro

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Regular Full-Time Entry San Jose, CA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1266

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $120,000.00 Annually

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in high-quality, quick-turn and complex prototypes. With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution—from design and fabrication to assembly and testing—all under one roof at its state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Sunnyvale, California. Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational resources. The company offers free online tools such as the Stackup Designer, Impedance Calculator, Material Selector, and BOM and DFM Checkers, along with technical blogs, webinars, design guides, and its SierraConnect community forum. Sierra Circuit serves all industries including aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, building PCBs to the highest industry standards, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

We are seeking an experienced SMT DFA (Surface Mount Technology Design for Assembly) Engineer to join Sierra Circuit manufacturing team. In this role, you will work closely with design, process, and manufacturing teams to ensure the seamless assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs) while optimizing product designs for manufacturability. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvements in SMT assembly processes, resolving technical challenges, and ensuring high‑quality, cost‑effective production.

Responsibilities

• Design for Assembly (DFA): Analyze PCB designs and provide feedback to improve manufacturability and efficiency during SMT production. Collaborate with design engineers to optimize component placements, solder joints, and assembly processes.
• SMT Process Development: Develop, optimize, and maintain SMT assembly processes including stencil design, solder paste application, component placement, and reflow soldering to ensure high-quality output.
• Manufacturing Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting for SMT assembly lines. Collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve issues related to assembly defects, component fit, or solderability.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives for process improvements, yield enhancement, and cycle time reduction in SMT production. Implement best practices and drive Lean Manufacturing principles to improve overall efficiency.
• DFM Analysis: Conduct Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis on new and existing products, identifying potential design and process risks and offering solutions to minimize production disruptions and improve yields.
• Equipment Selection & Maintenance: Recommend SMT equipment upgrades or new purchases to enhance assembly capabilities. Ensure SMT machinery is properly calibrated and maintained.
• Develop Manufacturing Process Instructions (MPI’s) & Rework Instructions.
• Ensure that all proper documentation and data is available for all assembly jobs.
• Work with Assembly Management Team to completely implement/monitor Assembly Management System.
• Be available as back‑up for walk‑through, site audits, or any other requests from customers and partners.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with the quality engineering team to define inspection criteria, conduct root cause analysis of assembly defects, and implement corrective actions.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of process parameters, technical issues, and solutions. Report findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams including product design, process engineering, quality assurance, and supply chain to ensure product designs are optimized for manufacturability and meet production requirements.
• Work extended hours based on company needs and be available for after hour emergency calls.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in SMT/DFA engineering in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of SMT assembly processes including stencil printing, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
  • Proficiency in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and DFA principles.
  • Experience with SMT programming, equipment setup, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or similar.
  • Familiar with schematics, PCB fabrication drawings and electronic components that are mounted on electronic assemblies.
  • Able to evaluate Gerber files
• Problem‑solving: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex assembly and design issues.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with multiple teams.
• Certifications: IPC‑A‑610 or J‑STD‑001 certifications are preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal sales communication skills.
• Ability to perform at the highest level in a fast‑paced environment.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional multi‑tasking, organizational skills, strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with all levels of management.
• Self‑motivator and a sense of ownership and urgency.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality & professionalism at all times.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office using Excel, PowerPoint, and Word required.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with high‑reliability manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, or medical devices.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The ability to lift 20 lbs., open filing cabinets, and bend, stand, or climb on step ladders as necessary.

Environment

Clean Manufacturing SMT Environment

Salary and Benefits

California Salary Range: $60,000 - 120,000 Annually and Benefits Perks.