SMT Manager

HR on Demand; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HR On Demand is seeking a hands-on SMT Manager in Austin to lead surface mount manufacturing for Robo Optic's hardware products. You will drive high-mix/low-volume production, optimize yield, reduce cycle times, and maintain IPC quality compliance.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10+ years in SMT/PCB manufacturing, 3+ years in leadership, and strong Lean Six Sigma experience, with a data-driven mindset and team leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 7–10+ years SMT/PCB manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001).
• Proven track record of improving yield, efficiency, and production output.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily SMT operations (stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection) to hit quality, throughput, and delivery targets.
• Manage production scheduling and capacity planning against demand forecasts.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement to improve yield, efficiency, and cost; track FPY, defect rates, and cycle time.
• Drive root cause analysis and CAPA for recurring issues.
• Oversee SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI, SPI, X-ray), ensuring maintenance, calibration, and uptime.
• Lead new equipment selection, installation, and process validation.
• Ensure SMT processes meet IPC standards and internal quality requirements; partner with Quality on inspection/testing and audit compliance.
• Lead, coach, and develop technicians, engineers, and operators; foster accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Engineering on manufacturability and NPI; work with Supply Chain on material availability and inventory optimization.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Data-driven

Lean Six Sigma

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field

Tools

MES systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

HR On Demand (HROD) is a Texas-based, full-service HR partner helping global companies establish and grow their U.S. operations. We provide end-to-end HR solutions — from talent acquisition and payroll to compliance, employee relations, and organizational development. Backed by Fortune 500 HR leadership experience, we help businesses build compliant, high-performing teams and navigate the complexities of the U.S. market with confidence.

We're posting this role on behalf of our client, a leader in robotics and intelligent optical systems.

About the Role

The SMT Manager will lead all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality PCB assembly processes that support Robo Optic's advanced hardware products. This role blends technical expertise, operational leadership, and continuous improvement to drive world-class manufacturing performance.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, data-driven, and experienced in managing SMT production lines in a fast-paced, high-mix/low-volume or scaled manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily SMT operations (stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow, inspection) to hit quality, throughput, and delivery targets
• Manage production scheduling and capacity planning against demand forecasts

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and best practices to improve yield, efficiency, and cost, tracking metrics like FPY, defect rates, and cycle time
• Drive root cause analysis and CAPA for recurring issues
• Oversee SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI, SPI, X-ray), ensuring maintenance, calibration, and uptime
• Lead new equipment selection, installation, and process validation

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure SMT processes meet IPC standards and internal quality requirements, partnering with Quality on inspection/testing and audit compliance
• Lead, coach, and develop technicians, engineers, and operators, building a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
• Manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering on manufacturability (DFM/DFT) and new product introductions (NPI)
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure material availability and inventory optimization

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7-10+ years of experience in SMT/PCB manufacturing, including 3+ years in a leadership role
• Strong knowledge of SMT processes, equipment, and materials
• Experience with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001)
• Proven track record of improving yield, efficiency, and production output
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in robotics, optics, or high-precision electronics manufacturing
• Exposure to high-mix, low-volume and/or scaling production environments
• Experience with MES systems and manufacturing data analytics tools