Senior Process Development Engineer

Advantest; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global bonus program

401(k) plan with match

Medical, Dental & Vision plans

Paid holidays

Job summary

Advantest America Inc. in Fremont, CA is seeking a Senior SMT Process Engineer to lead SMT process development, stability, and manufacturing improvements across the Fremont facility.

You will own SMT processes, drive FPY, DPM, OEE, and cycle-time targets, and partner with Engineering, Quality, Production, and our Taiwan team to standardize practices. The role requires hands-on manufacturing expertise, a minimum of 10 years in SMT, Lean/Six Sigma, and the ability to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline.
• Minimum 10 years SMT manufacturing and process engineering experience.
• Proven experience in high-complexity PCB/PCBA manufacturing.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including to Taiwan.

Responsibilities

• Own SMT processes for Fremont facility and ensure stable production.
• Develop controls to achieve FPY, DPM, OEE, scrap and cycle time targets.
• Lead process development for soldering, AOI, selective soldering, and conformal coating.
• Support NPI and manufacturability reviews during product development.
• Collaborate with global teams and drive process harmonization.
• Provide training and mentor manufacturing engineers.

Skills

SMT process engineering

Manufacturing process optimization

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AOI/SPI systems

Process control & SPC

Lean Six Sigma tools

Job description

Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world’s largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees.

Our Purpose & Values:

Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation.

Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain.

Core Values:

I- Innovation is our Lifeblood

N- Number One is Our Aspiration

T- Trust is our Foundation

E- Empowerment is Our Motivation

G- Global is our Reach

R- Respect is our Heart

I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment

T- Teamwork is our Approach

Y- Yes is Our Attitude

Why Join Us

At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We’re looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You’ll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact.

We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

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.
• Solder Printing
• Reflow Soldering
• Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

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.
  • 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.

Benefits Overview

• Global Bonus Program: Performance‑based bonuses paid twice yearly.
• 401(k) Plan: Pre‑tax retirement savings with company match.
• Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple plan options including HMO, PPO, and HSA.
• Income Protection: Life, disability, and accident insurance at no cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care options.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free support for personal and work‑related issues.
• Flexible Time Off: Accrual starts at hire, increases with service.
• Paid Holidays: 13 company holidays annually.

All Locations

Fremont , California , United States

Field of Activity

Research & Development (Hardware Development)

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Advantest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Advantest to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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