Senior Process Development Engineer

advantestcareers; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantest Interconnect Solutions (AIS) in Fremont, CA seeks a Senior SMT Process Engineer to own and optimize SMT processes for high-volume PCB/PCBA production. You will drive stability, supplier collaboration, and continuous improvement across global sites.

You will lead NPI, process validation, and SPC/DFA/DFM initiatives while mentoring staff and aligning with quality standards. Travel to Taiwan may be required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• 10+ years in SMT manufacturing and process engineering.
• Experience with high-complex PCB/PCBA environments.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including Taiwan.

Responsibilities

• Own SMT processes for Fremont operations and drive stability.
• Develop, qualify, and implement new SMT processes and equipment.
• Lead NPI activities and manufacturability assessments.
• Collaborate with Global Ops to harmonize standards.
• Lead PFMEA, control plans, and process validation activities.
• Mentor engineers and develop standard work instructions.

Skills

SMT process development

Solder paste printing

Placement optimization

Reflow profiling

AOI/SPI

SPC

Root cause analysis

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MES systems

Industry 4.0 initiatives

Manufacturing automation

Job description

Senior SMT Process Engineer

Position Summary

Advantest Interconnect Solutions (AIS) is seeking a highly experienced Senior SMT Process Engineer to lead Surface Mount Technology (SMT) process development, optimization, and manufacturing stability initiatives at our Fremont, California facility.

This role is responsible for establishing world-class SMT manufacturing processes that deliver predictable quality, yield, throughput, and reliability while supporting advanced semiconductor test interface products and complex PCB assemblies. The position serves as the technical owner for SMT process capability and continuous improvement, working closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and our Taiwan manufacturing team to standardize and scale best practices across AIS's global assembly operations.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on manufacturing expert capable of solving complex process challenges, improving operational performance, and supporting new product introductions from prototype through high-volume production.

Key Responsibilities

SMT Process Ownership & Stability

• Serve as the technical owner for all SMT manufacturing processes within the Fremont facility.
• Develop and maintain robust process controls to ensure stable, repeatable production performance.
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing metrics, including:

• First-Pass Yield (FPY)
• Defects Per Million (DPM)
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Scrap and Rework
• Cycle Time
• Throughput

• Establish process capability targets and statistical control methodologies.
• Lead root-cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Develop, qualify, and implement new SMT assembly processes, materials, and equipment.
• Optimize:

• Solder Printing
• Component Placement
• Reflow Soldering
• Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
• Solder Paste Inspection (SPI)
• Selective Soldering
• Conformal Coating (where required)

• Drive process improvements focused on quality, capacity, automation, and cost reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Provide manufacturing expertise during design reviews and product development.
• Partner with Design Engineering, Applications Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Develop process validation plans and qualification criteria for new products.
• Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp activities.

Global Operations Collaboration

• Partner closely with AIS's Taiwan assembly operations to establish common process standards and best practices.
• Drive cross-site process harmonization and knowledge transfer.
• Participate in global manufacturing reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support benchmarking and replication of successful process improvements across AIS assembly locations.

Equipment & Technology Leadership

• Define equipment requirements and process technology roadmaps.
• Support selection, installation, qualification, and optimization of SMT manufacturing equipment.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Equipment Engineering teams to maximize uptime and process capability.
• Evaluate emerging SMT technologies and automation opportunities.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with IPC standards and customer-specific manufacturing requirements.
• Support customer audits, internal audits, and corrective action activities.
• Lead PFMEA, Control Plan, and process validation activities.
• Drive a culture of operational excellence and continuous quality improvement.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Provide technical leadership to manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Develop standardized work instructions, process documentation, and training materials.
• Mentor junior engineers and help build AIS's long-term manufacturing capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in SMT manufacturing and process engineering.
• Proven experience supporting high-complexity PCB and PCBA manufacturing environments.
• Strong expertise in:

• SMT process development
• Solder paste printing
• Placement optimization
• Reflow profiling
• AOI/SPI systems
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Root cause analysis

• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Demonstrated success improving yield, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to travel internationally, including periodic travel to Taiwan.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in semiconductor test, ATE, high-performance computing, networking, or other advanced electronics manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with MES systems, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and manufacturing automation.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and related industry standards.
• Experience supporting global manufacturing organizations and multi-site operations.
• Familiarity with advanced packaging, high-density interconnect (HDI) assemblies, and high-reliability electronics.

Success Measures

• During the first 12-18 months, the Senior SMT Process Engineer will be expected to:
• Establish Fremont as a benchmark SMT operation within AIS.
• Improve first-pass yield, cycle time, and throughput.
• Reduce process variation and defect opportunities.
• Standardize SMT processes between Fremont and Taiwan where appropriate.
• Support capacity growth and new product introductions.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement initiatives that improve scalability and operational performance.