R26-0008 - Process Engineer

Universal Scientific Industrial Co.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

USI/Asteelflash in Milpitas, CA is seeking a highly organized Process Engineer to support manufacturing engineering activities on site. You will develop, optimize, and validate PCBA processes (SMT, box build) and lead NPI from prototype to mass production.

This full-time, on-site role requires 4+ years in PCB assembly, IPC standards knowledge, and strong problem-solving skills. You will collaborate across production, quality, supply chain, and R&D to improve efficiency, yield, and process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent knowledge.
• 4+ years of related experience in PCB manufacturing.
• Knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and validate PCBA manufacturing processes.
• Optimize production line layouts for efficiency.
• Define process parameters and control methods.
• Coordinate NPI from prototype to mass production.
• Select and validate SMT equipment and tooling.
• Analyze defects and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Decision making

Communication

Project management

Innovation

Leadership

Teamwork skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

PCB assembly processes

SMT process

PCBA manufacturing

PTH knowledge

Statistical process control

Job description

USI/Asteelflash is actively looking for a highly organized and talented Process Engineer to help support the Engineering activities at our location in Milpitas, CA. The Process Engineer is responsible for performing assigned engineering duties involving manufacturing process control, troubleshooting, and research of manufacturing quality issues. Assists manufacturing engineering with process development. Interfaces with manufacturing and engineering during the development, installation, and maintenance of improved manufacturing methods and controls. This position is 100% onsite.

About The Job

Location: Milpitas, CA [Onsite]

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization

• Develop, implement, and validate manufacturing processes for PCBA assembly (SMT, box build).
• Optimize production line layouts for efficiency and productivity.
• Define process parameters and control methods.
• Conduct time studies and capacity analysis.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support product launch activities from prototype to mass production.
• Review Gerber files, BOMs, and assembly drawings for manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
• Create process flow charts, work instructions, and control plans.
• Coordinate pilot runs and process validation.

Equipment & Tooling Management

• Select and validate SMT equipment (printers, SPI, pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI).
• Support programming and optimization of equipment such as:
  • SMT lines (e.g., equipment from companies like ASMPT, Panasonic, Fuji Corporation)
  • Wave machines (e.g., Electrovert, SEHO, ERSA)
  • Conformal coating systems (e.g., PVA, Nordson)
• Ensure preventive maintenance plans are in place.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment-related issues.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze defects and implement corrective actions (8D, RCA, FMEA).
• Monitor KPIs such as FPY, OEE, yield, scrap, and cycle time.
• Implement poka-yoke and mistake-proofing solutions.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop SOPs, process instructions, and engineering change documentation.
• Ensure compliance with IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610).
• Maintain process documentation in ERP/MES systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and R&D teams.
• Interface with customers for technical discussions and audits.
• Provide technical training to operators and technicians.

Requirements:

Education/Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field or equivalent level of knowledge normally obtained through completion of a BS degree.

Experience (Years & Fields)

• Requires 4+ years of related experience.

Skills/Competencies

Soft Skills:

• Decision making
• Communication
• Project management
• Innovation
• Leadership
• Teamwork skills
• Problem-solving skills

Technical Skills:

• PCB assembly build processes
• SMT process
• Knowledge of PCBA manufacturing
• PTH knowledge
• Statistical process control

The expected pay rate for this position is $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 depending on specific skills and work experience.