SMT Manager

FPC National; Florida; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FPC National is seeking a Senior SMT Manager to lead and optimize the Surface Mount Technology department on the production floor. You will direct troubleshooting, setup, process improvements and schedule adherence to ship orders on time with high quality.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong technical SMT knowledge (pick-and-place, solder paste, reflow, SPI/AOI) and the ability to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing functions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in SMT leading or supervising a team of engineers and operators.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of SMT equipment, setup, programming, troubleshooting and process control.
• Experience with pick-and-place, solder paste printing, reflow, SPI and AOI.
• Understanding of PCB assembly, component identification, polarity and soldering defects.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and ESD control.
• Experience with production scheduling, quality systems, corrective action and continuous improvement.
• Ability to read assembly drawings, BOMs, work instructions and manufacturing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily SMT production so customer orders ship on schedule and meet quality requirements.
• Ensure SMT lines are set up, programmed, staffed and maintained.
• Assist with machine setup, changeovers, feeder setup, program verification and troubleshooting.
• Verify components, solder paste, stencils, feeders, programs and documentation are ready before builds.
• Support new product introductions, first-article builds, process validations and engineering changes.
• Implement permanent corrective actions for recurring machine and process issues.
• Resolve defects such as solder bridges, insufficient solder, tombstoning, misalignment, missing components and polarity errors.
• Work with Quality and Engineering on root cause and corrective and preventive action.
• Escalate production risks, equipment problems, quality concerns and staffing issues promptly.
• Promote first-time-through quality.
• Improve throughput, cycle time, changeover time and equipment utilization.
• Analyze downtime, defect, scrap and rework data for trends.
• Apply lean, 5S, standard work and process improvement.
• Coach and develop SMT operators, technicians and leads, and identify training and staffing needs for growth.

Skills

SMT leadership

Hands-on SMT

Solder paste printing

Reflow

SPI

AOI

PCB assembly knowledge

IPC-A-610

Production scheduling

Quality systems

Root-cause analysis

Tools

Pick-and-place equipment

Solder paste printer

Reflow ovens

SPI

AOI

Job description

Confidential search for a leading EMS provider

The SMT Manager is responsible for the daily operation, performance and continuous improvement of the Surface Mount Technology department at a production facility. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical expertise in SMT equipment, processes, troubleshooting and production management. You are on the production floor, giving technical direction, fixing equipment and process issues, and making sure schedules, quality standards and efficiency targets are met. You own department performance and drive problems through to resolution.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily SMT production so customer orders ship on schedule and meet quality requirements
• Ensure SMT lines are set up, programmed, staffed and maintained
• Assist with machine setup, changeovers, feeder setup, program verification and troubleshooting
• Verify components, solder paste, stencils, feeders, programs and documentation are ready before builds
• Support new product introductions, first-article builds, process validations and engineering changes
• Implement permanent corrective actions for recurring machine and process issues
• Resolve defects such as solder bridges, insufficient solder, tombstoning, misalignment, missing components and polarity errors
• Work with Quality and Engineering on root cause and corrective and preventive action
• Escalate production risks, equipment problems, quality concerns and staffing issues promptly
• Promote first-time-through quality
• Improve throughput, cycle time, changeover time and equipment utilization
• Analyze downtime, defect, scrap and rework data for trends
• Apply lean, 5S, standard work and process improvement
• Coach and develop SMT operators, technicians and leads, and identify training and staffing needs for growth

Qualifications:

• 10+ years in SMT leading or supervising a team of engineers and operators
• Strong hands-on knowledge of SMT equipment, setup, programming, troubleshooting and process control
• Experience with pick-and-place, solder paste printing, reflow, SPI and AOI
• Understanding of PCB assembly, component identification, polarity and soldering defects
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and ESD control
• Experience with production scheduling, quality systems, corrective action and continuous improvement
• Ability to read assembly drawings, BOMs, work instructions and manufacturing documentation
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with manufacturing systems and production reporting tools
• Strong listening skills, analytical and critical-thinking ability
• Strong follow-through; leads change and collaborates across functions

Keys to success:

• Hands-on: most of each day on the production floor
• Independently troubleshoots all SMT equipment and process issues
• Works with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Planning and Operations
• Owns department results and holds the team accountable
• Meets schedules while maintaining quality
• Reviews programs, setups, components and documentation in advance
• Builds the team through coaching, training and cross-training
• Proactively makes measurable improvements
• Tracks open issues, assigns owners, sets deadlines and verifies completion

About the company: A leading EMS provider specializing in assembly, testing and integration of complex electronic products, from prototype and new product introduction through high-volume production, with experience in defense and other high-reliability applications.