DFM and SMT Engineer

Celestica; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestica in Richardson, TX seeks a DFM Engineer to drive manufacturability for high-density electronics, partnering with hardware design, PCB fabrication, and SMT teams.

You will run pre-DFM analyses, log findings with evidence, and push for design changes, while refining Valor rules and ensuring closure on revisions. This role emphasizes data-driven decisions and IPC standard adherence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4 to 8 years of experience in DFM, PCB fabrication engineering, or SMT process engineering.
• Deep knowledge of DFM, PCB fabrication, and SMT assembly for high-density electronics.
• Experience with Siemens Valor NPI/Valor MSS tools.
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC-2221/2222, IPC-7351).

Responsibilities

• Run pre-DFM analysis and issue reports within turnaround times.
• Log DFM findings with severity, routing paths, and evidence.
• Work with layout engineers to resolve findings and drive design changes.
• Verify closure of dispositions on subsequent build revisions.
• Maintain Valor rule encodings and propose rule changes.

Skills

DFM

PCB fabrication

SMT assembly

Valor NPI/Valor MSS

IPC standards

SMT parameters

Stencil design

Reflow profiling

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Materials/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Siemens Valor NPI/Valor MSS

Job description

Summary

At Celestica, we don’t just manufacture high-complexity technology—we design, engineer, and optimize the hardware powering the future. As a global leader in design, engineering, and manufacturing services, our teams partner with world-changing brands across cloud infrastructure, aerospace, defense, healthtech, and advanced electronics. Located in Richardson, TX, our site offers a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your technical voice directly impacts the physical products shaping tomorrow’s technology landscape.

Req ID: 140260

Region: Americas

Country: USA

State/Province: Texas

City: Richardson

The DFM and SMT Engineer runs the Design for Manufacturability (DFM) screen during the design phase. Rather than tossing reports "over the wall," this role engages directly with hardware layout designers to review PCB/PCBA packages against established DFM rules, log findings with concrete evidence, and drive issue dispositions. Operating at the intersection of Hardware Design, PCB Fabrication, and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly, this position acts as a technical gatekeeper ensuring design packages are optimized for seamless manufacturing, while directly supporting site‑specific SMT process questions.

Note: This position focuses strictly on manufacturability evidenced against a rule set and is not a general design reviewer or site drawing checker.

Detailed Description

• Pre-DFM Screening: Run pre-DFM analysis on assigned packages using automated toolsets (e.g., Valor) and issue formal reports before release within agreed turnaround times.
• Finding Logging & Evidence: Log every DFM finding in the central register, specifying severity level, routing paths, and the technical evidence supporting the rule.
• Direct Issue Disposition: Partner directly with layout engineers to resolve findings—driving design changes where appropriate or negotiating process/supplier mitigations when layout adjustments are not feasible.
• Verification & Closure: Verify closure of dispositioned issues on subsequent build revisions and document closure evidence.Site SMT Support: Serve as the subject matter expert supporting site‑level DFM, PCB fabrication, and SMT process questions for assigned programs.
• Continuous Improvement & Tool Maintenance: Propose rule changes when findings recur across platforms, and actively maintain/update Valor check encodings for all rules within scope.
• Ownership & Performance: Own key deliverables—including pre‑DFM reports, register finding entries with closure evidence, Valor rule encodings, and rule change proposals. Performance is measured on pre‑DFM coverage, review turnaround times, the percentage of findings successfully closed, and the elimination of repeat findings.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Deep technical expertise in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), PCB fabrication, and SMT assembly processes for high‑density, complex electronic assemblies.
• High proficiency with DFM automated analysis tools (specifically Siemens Valor NPI/Valor MSS) including rule encoding and setup.
• Solid familiarity with IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-2221/2222, IPC-7351) regarding PCB design, land patterns, component clearances, and solderability.
• Hands‑on understanding of SMT manufacturing parameters, stencil design, reflow profiling, and PCB fabrication tolerances.
• Strong cross‑functional communication and direct collaborative skills to partner with hardware layout engineers, Manufacturing Test Leads (MTLs), and site SMT process teams.

Physical Demands

• Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
• Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
• Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Typical Experience

• 4 to 8 years of experience in DFM, PCB fabrication engineering, or SMT process engineering within high‑complexity electronics manufacturing.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Celestica's policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, or other characteristics protected by law.

This policy applies to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment and also states that retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment practice will not be tolerated. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Company Overview

Celestica, Inc. (NYSE: CLS; TSX: CLS) is a technology leader dedicated to driving customer success and market advancements. With deep expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and platform solutions, Celestica enables critical data center infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hybrid cloud and advances technologies in high-growth markets. With a talented team and a strategic global network, Celestica helps its customers achieve competitive advantages.

Today, Celestica delivers innovative supply chain solutions globally to customers in strategic two operating and reporting segments: Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) and Connectivity and Cloud Solutions (CC):

ATS: This segment serves customers in complex, regulated and high-reliability markets such as Industrial & Smart Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Semiconductor Capital Equipment, and HealthTech. It is engineering led, with deep expertise in design, manufacturing and lifecycle solutions.

CCS: This segment focuses on high-performance technology solutions and services for the data center, serving hyperscalers, digital native customers and enterprises. Celestica's Platform Solutions offering provides innovative and customizable computing, storage and networking solutions enabling AI-driven growth.

Built on a legacy of trust and performance, Celestica has earned its reputation by delivering results in complex and fast-changing markets. Celestica exceeds customer expectations by identifying trends and staying ahead of the curve. Backed by comprehensive capabilities and a global network across North America, Europe and Asia, Celestica helps customers gain competitive advantage with the quality, flexibility and resiliency they need to respond quickly to shifts in demand. Guided by a bold vision to accelerate market advancements, Celestica delivers innovative solutions and technologies that turn complexity into opportunity. Anchored in teamwork and commitment, Celestica strives to be the most trusted partner to its customers and colleagues worldwide.

Celestica would like to thank all applicants, however, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Celestica does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies or fee based recruitment services.

This location is a US ITAR facility and these positions will involve the release of export controlled goods either directly to employees or through the employee's movement within the facility. As such, Celestica will require necessary information from all applicants upon an applicant's acceptance of employment to determine if any export control exemptions or licenses must be filed.