Process Engineer

Naprotek, LLC; San Jose, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Naprotek, LLC in San Jose, CA seeks a PCBA Process Engineer to develop and optimize manufacturing processes for PCB assemblies. You will collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost-efficiency across paste application, pick-and-place, reflow, and inspection.

The role emphasizes process control, quality assurance, and data-driven continuous improvement. You will define standard work, perform tests and audits, monitor KPIs, and mentor production

Qualifications

• Develop and optimize PCBA reflow profiles using ECD or KIK tools.
• Develop and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes (paste, pick/place, reflow, inspection).
• Evaluate and select equipment/technologies to improve productivity and quality.
• Define and implement process control methodologies and maintain documentation.
• Develop and implement quality control measures and perform tests and audits.
• Monitor KPIs (yield, cycle time, defect rate) and drive improvements.
• Investigate and resolve PCBA process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Provide training and technical support to production teams.
• Collaborate on DFx considerations with design and manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with ESD and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize PCBA manufacturing processes, including solder paste application, pick and place, reflow soldering, and inspection. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate and suggest equipment and technologies for PCBA processes; collaborate with vendors to improve productivity and yield.
• Define and implement process control methodologies and maintain process documentation; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Develop and implement quality control measures; design tests, inspections, and audits; work with QA for corrective actions.
• Monitor KPIs (yield, cycle time, defect rate) and lead continuous improvement projects to boost efficiency and product quality.
• Investigate and resolve PCBA process issues, analyze data, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide training and technical support to production teams; ensure SOP adherence.
• Collaborate with design/manufacturing for DFx and seamless process integration.
• Ensure ESD protocols and safety regulations are followed.
• Cross-functional collaboration with design engineers and manufacturing teams to ensure DFx considerations.
• ESD and safety compliance: educate personnel on handling procedures.

Skills

Process optimization

Continuous improvement

Troubleshooting

Training and coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality awareness

Tools

ECD/KIK profiling software

PCBA equipment knowledge

Job description

Description

Job Purpose

Skilled and detail-oriented Engineer responsible for developing and optimizing PCBA manufacturing processes. Expertise in equipment, and quality control to contribute to the efficient and reliable production of high-quality electronic products.

Duties and responsibilities

• Develop and optimize the PCBA manufacturing processes, including solder paste application, pick and place, reflow soldering, and inspection. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Evaluate and suggest appropriate equipment, tools, and technologies for PCBA processes. Collaborate with equipment vendors and evaluate new technologies to improve process efficiency and yield. Optimize equipment settings and parameters for improved productivity and quality.

• Define and implement process control methodologies to ensure consistency and repeatability in PCBA manufacturing. Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, procedures, and specifications. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Develop and implement quality control measures to ensure the highest level of product quality and reliability. Design and conduct tests, inspections, and process audits to identify and resolve defects, deviations, and non-conformities. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to develop corrective actions and preventive measures.

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to PCBA processes, such as yield, cycle time, and defect rate. Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and productivity improvement. Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance overall efficiency and product quality.

• Investigate and resolve PCBA process issues, including equipment malfunctions, material defects, and process variations. Analyze data and implement corrective actions to minimize process failures and improve overall product reliability.

• Provide training and technical support to production teams regarding PCBA processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting techniques. Collaborate with operators and technicians to ensure proper process implementation and adherence to standard operating procedures.

• Collaborate with design engineers, component engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of PCBA processes into overall product development and production. Participate in design reviews and provide input on design for manufacturability (DFM) considerations.

• Ensure compliance with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protocols and safety regulations in PCBA processes. Implement ESD control measures and educate personnel on proper handling procedures.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Develop and optimize the PCBA reflow profiles with the ECD or KIK profiling software and tools.

• Process Development: Develop and optimize the PCBA manufacturing processes, including solder paste application, pick and place, reflow soldering, and inspection. Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Equipment Selection and Optimization: Evaluate and select appropriate equipment, tools, and technologies for PCBA processes. Collaborate with equipment vendors and evaluate new technologies to improve process efficiency and yield. Optimize equipment settings and parameters for improved productivity and quality.

• Process Control and Documentation: Define and implement process control methodologies to ensure consistency and repeatability in PCBA manufacturing. Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, procedures, and specifications. Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

• Quality Control: Develop and implement quality control measures to ensure the highest level of product quality and reliability. Design and conduct tests, inspections, and process audits to identify and resolve defects, deviations, and non-conformities. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to develop corrective actions and preventive measures.

• Continuous Improvement: Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to PCBA processes, such as yield, cycle time, and defect rate. Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and productivity improvement. Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects to enhance overall efficiency and product quality.

• Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve PCBA process issues, including equipment malfunctions, material defects, and process variations. Analyze data and implement corrective actions to minimize process failures and improve overall product reliability.

• Training and Support: Provide training and technical support to production teams regarding PCBA processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting techniques.

Collaborate with operators and technicians to ensure proper process implementation and adherence to standard operating procedures.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with design engineers, component engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of PCBA processes into overall product development and production. Participate in design reviews and provide input on design for manufacturability (DFM) considerations.

• ESD and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protocols and safety regulations in PCBA processes. Implement ESD control measures and educate personnel on proper handling procedures.

Additional Knowledge and Related Experience Req.

• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards, such as AS9100, IPC/WHMA-A-620D-S space addendum, and regulatory requirements is advantageous.