Senior SMT Process Engineer & Tech Center Lead

Aitworks Inc; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401K

Paid vacation 10 days

Promotional programs

Bonuses

Job summary

A Japanese manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois seeks an SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead to head technical center activities, demonstrations, product trials, and advanced SMT applications.

The role combines hands‑on process engineering with technical leadership to support customer requirements and the deployment of SMT technologies, including Industry 4.0 and MES connectivity. Travel up to 15% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent directly relevant industry experience.
• At least 10 years in SMT process engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead customer demonstrations and technical evaluations.
• Advanced troubleshooting capabilities across mechanical, electrical, software, programming, material‑handling, and process‑related issues.
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestic/international.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Technical Center, including scheduling, priorities, safety, appearance, and customer readiness.
• Plan and lead customer demonstrations, technical evaluations, product trials, training activities, and proof‑of‑concept builds from preparation through final presentation and follow‑up.
• Work with customers and internal teams to define application requirements, demonstration objectives, process conditions, and measurable success criteria.
• Configure, program, operate, and optimize SMT line systems.
• Perform high‑level troubleshooting of machine, software, mechanical, electrical, material‑handling, programming, and process‑related issues.
• Maintain Technical Center equipment, feeders, tooling, software, spare parts, boards, materials, and consumables in an organized and fully operational condition.
• Demonstrate smart factory and connected‑line capabilities, including Industry 4.0 concepts, MES connectivity, production data, automation, and applicable line communication standards.
• Prepare demonstration reports, technical summaries, process recommendations, training materials, and customer‑facing technical documentation.
• Support major trade show activities
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

SMT process engineering

Customer demonstrations

Troubleshooting

Industry 4.0

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

A Japanese manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois seeks an SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead to head technical center activities, demonstrations, product trials, and advanced SMT applications.

The role combines hands‑on process engineering with technical leadership to support customer requirements and the deployment of SMT technologies, including Industry 4.0 and MES connectivity. Travel up to 15% is required.