Senior SMT Process Innovation Engineer

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

Job summary

Advantest Interconnect Solutions (AIS) in Fremont, California seeks a Senior SMT Process Engineer to lead SMT process development, optimization, and manufacturing stability for complex PCB assemblies and advanced semiconductor test interfaces.

You will own SMT processes, drive Lean/Six Sigma, collaborate with global teams in Taiwan, and mentor engineers while delivering predictable quality, throughput, and cost improvements across programs.

Responsibilities

• 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 FPY, DPM, OEE, scrap and rework, cycle time, and throughput.
• Establish process capability targets and statistical control methodologies.
• Lead root-cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop, qualify, and implement new SMT assembly processes, materials, and equipment.
• Optimize solder printing, component placement, reflow soldering, AOI, SPI, selective soldering, and conformal coating.
• Drive process improvements focused on quality, capacity, automation, and cost reduction.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Job description

Advantest Interconnect Solutions (AIS) in Fremont, California seeks a Senior SMT Process Engineer to lead SMT process development, optimization, and manufacturing stability for complex PCB assemblies and advanced semiconductor test interfaces.

You will own SMT processes, drive Lean/Six Sigma, collaborate with global teams in Taiwan, and mentor engineers while delivering predictable quality, throughput, and cost improvements across programs.