SMD Quality Engineer

SL Tennessee; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SL Tennessee is seeking a SMD Quality Engineer to oversee quality in SMT/SMD manufacturing. You will lead in-process inspection, defect analysis, and control plan maintenance to ensure product and process quality.

Responsibilities include evaluating soldering defects, maintaining PFMEA, supporting new product launches (APQP), and driving continuous improvement with cross-functional teams to achieve low defect rates and compliant processes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in an electronic manufacturing environment with a quality background.
• Experience or knowledge in SMT/SMD processes (Printing, SPI, Pick & Place, Reflow, AOI) preferred.
• Experience in in-process inspection or line patrol activities in mass production.

Responsibilities

• Ensure product and process quality in SMT/SMD manufacturing through in-process inspection and line patrol activities
• Identify and evaluate soldering defects and drive defect reduction activities
• Develop and maintain Control Plans to ensure compliance with process quality requirements
• Verify and update PFMEA to proactively identify and mitigate process risks
• Analyze and respond to customer quality requirements and support customer issue resolution
• Monitor and analyze process trends and quality data to identify potential issues and drive continuous improvement
• Manage defect rates and process capability (e.g., Cpk) to ensure process stability and quality performance
• Support new product launch activities including APQP, trial builds, and pilot runs to ensure production readiness
• Respond to quality issues in mass production, including containment, escalation, and cross-functional communication
• Perform root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Why) and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Suppliers) to resolve quality issues and improve processes

Skills

Quality management

In-process inspection

Root cause analysis

APQP knowledge

ESD control knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Quality/Engineering

Tools

APQP

PFMEA

5 Why

Job description

About this position

SMD Quality Engineer

General Description

Responsible for managing quality in SMD manufacturing processes at SL Tennessee.
Ensures product and process quality through in-process control, defect prevention, and compliance with quality standards.

Responsibilities

Ensure product and process quality in SMT/SMD manufacturing through in-process inspection and line patrol activities

Identify and evaluate soldering defects (e.g., bridging, tombstoning, insufficient solder, voids) and drive defect reduction activities

Develop and maintain Control Plans to ensure compliance with process quality requirements

Verify and update PFMEA to proactively identify and mitigate process risks

Analyze and respond to customer quality requirements and support customer issue resolution

Monitor and analyze process trends and quality data to identify potential issues and drive continuous improvement

Manage defect rates and process capability (e.g., Cpk) to ensure process stability and quality performance

Support new product launch activities including APQP, trial builds, and pilot runs to ensure production readiness

Respond to quality issues in mass production, including containment, escalation, and cross-functional communication

Perform root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Why) and implement corrective and preventive actions

Ensure compliance with ESD control requirements and proper handling of electronic components

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Suppliers) to resolve quality issues and improve processes

Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation

Job Requirements

Work Experience

3+ years of experience in an electronic manufacturing environment with a quality background

Experience or knowledge in SMT/SMD processes (Printing, SPI, Pick & Place, Reflow, AOI)

Experience in in-process inspection or line patrol activities in mass production

Experience in identifying and handling soldering defects (e.g., bridging, tombstoning, insufficient solder, voids)

Experience supporting new product launch activities (APQP, trial build, pilot run) preferred

Experience in handling customer quality issues or internal defect containment in mass production

Education

Associate’s degree in a technical field related to Quality or Engineering, or

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Understanding of SMT/SMD manufacturing processes and PCB assembly

Basic understanding of APQP and quality requirements for new product launch

Ability to identify soldering defects and quality issues in both pilot and mass production

Understanding of ESD control requirements (ANSI/ESD S20.20 or IEC 61340)

Ability to collect and analyze data and support root cause analysis (5 Why, etc.)