NPI SMT Process Engineer for Fast Prototype Builds

Socket.dev; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision

401(k) Plan

Flexible Time Off

Job summary

Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa, CA, seeks an experienced SMT Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and execute SMT processes for rapid prototyping and NPI assembly from prototype through ramp-to-production.

You will partner with R&D, quality, and operations to provide immediate process feedback, improve first pass yield, and accelerate design-to-build learning cycles, enabling fast iteration and high-quality prototype builds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 3–7+ years SMT process engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with SMT equipment (printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI/SPI/AXI).
• Strong understanding of SMT processes, solder behavior, and defect mechanisms.
• Experience with DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Cp/Cpk and root cause methodologies.
• Ability to interpret PCB drawings, Gerber files, and datasheets.
• Strong troubleshooting and cross-functional communication skills in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize SMT processes including stencil design, solder paste selection, component placement, and reflow profiles.
• Define SMT process flows and parameters for rapid prototype and NPI builds.
• Support prototype, engineering, and pilot builds with quick turnaround expectations.
• Perform process characterization (DOE, process window validation, Cp/Cpk analysis).
• Create and refine stencil designs, pick-and-place programs, reflow profiles, and AOI/AXI programs.
• Support and optimize SMT equipment including printers, Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI/AXI.
• Ensure equipment capability for fast-turn NPI builds and iterative development.
• Prepare SMT lines for quick-turn builds including material validation, feeder setup, and rapid changeovers.
• Support SMT line setup, qualification, and optimization for NPI runs.
• Enable fast build-to-build transitions to support engineering iteration.
• Drive defect analysis and root cause investigation for SMT-related issues.
• Troubleshoot defects such as tombstoning, bridging, voiding, and misalignment.
• Improve first pass yield (FPY) and reduce rework cycles during prototype builds.
• Apply structured problem-solving methods such as 5-Why and DMAIC.
• Participate in DFM/DFA reviews and provide immediate feedback to design teams.
• Evaluate PCB layouts, component footprints, and assembly risks early in development.
• Influence design decisions to improve prototype manufacturability and iteration speed.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, control plans, and NPI build documentation.
• Implement SPC and process control methods appropriate for NPI/prototype environments.
• Support MES systems, traceability, and real-time data collection.
• Work closely with R&D, PCDFM, quality, and operations teams during active NPI builds.
• Partner with suppliers to qualify materials for prototype assembly.
• Provide real-time technical feedback during builds to accelerate design iteration.
• Collaborate closely with Contract Manufacturers during transfers of assemblies into production.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to improve turnaround time, yield, and process repeatability.
• Continuously refine NPI SMT processes to support faster learning cycles.

Skills

SMT knowledge

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional communication

Education

SMT process engineering experience (3-7+ years)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SMT equipment (printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI/SPI/AXI)

Gerber files interpretation

MES/PLM systems familiarity

Job description

Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa, CA, seeks an experienced SMT Process Engineer to develop, optimize, and execute SMT processes for rapid prototyping and NPI assembly from prototype through ramp-to-production.

You will partner with R&D, quality, and operations to provide immediate process feedback, improve first pass yield, and accelerate design-to-build learning cycles, enabling fast iteration and high-quality prototype builds.