SMT Process and DFM Engineer — PCBA Industrialization

Semi-Kinetics Electronics; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Semi-Kinetics Electronics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive process development for PCB assembly, optimize solder paste printing and reflow, and provide DFM feedback to design teams.

You will program SMT equipment, lead defect investigations, and maintain ECNs/ECOs while ensuring IPC/J‑STD‑001 compliance and ISO‑related standards. Strong CAD capabilities and SPC experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering (electronics/electrical or mechanical) or equivalent.
• 5+ years preferred in aerospace/defense, medical, and semiconductor customers.
• Clear technical communication skills, written and verbal.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access; CAD/production software (AEGIS preferred).
• AutoCAD and SolidWorks experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Define solder paste printing and reflow profiles to maximize first-pass yield and throughput.
• Review PCB layouts for buildability, reliability, and cost; deliver feedback to design teams and customers.
• Program SMT equipment (pick‑and‑place, AOI, X‑ray) and sustain line performance.
• Lead defect investigations, FA, CARs, and reduce scrap and rework.
• Create/maintain WIs, process specs, and BOMs; issue ECNs; manage updates from redlines; release via ECO.
• Maintain documentation in the MRP system for routings, tooling orders, and BOMs.
• Develop methods and tooling to comply with IPC & J‑STD‑001; support ISO‑9000, AS9100, ISO 13485.
• Partner with management, production control, quality, and shop personnel to improve flow and schedules.

Skills

Process development

DFM

SPC

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

BS in engineering (electronics/electrical or mechanical)

Tools

AEGIS Software

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

A day in this roleYour morning starts on the SMT line, dialing in solder paste printing parameters and refining reflow profiles to push yields higher. You review overnight AOI data, spot a trend on BGA coplanarity, and coordinate a quick failure analysis, including targeted BGA rework and a corrective action report. By mid-morning, you’re programming a pick-and-place update, adjusting feeder setups, and validating AOI/X-ray recipes. After lunch, you sit with design engineering to provide DFM feedback on a new PCB, then translate redlined updates into ECNs/ECOs and refresh work instructions and process specs. You close the day by entering routings, tooling work orders, and manufacturing BOMs in the MRP system, ensuring everything aligns with IPC and J-STD-001 requirements.What you’ll ownProcess development and optimization: Establish and refine solder paste printing, SMT placement, reflow profiles, and through‑hole assembly to maximize first-pass yield and throughput.Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Review PCB layouts for buildability, reliability, and cost; deliver actionable feedback to design teams and customers.Equipment programming and support: Select, configure, and program SMT equipment (pick‑and‑place, AOI, X‑ray) and sustain line performance.Root cause and continuous improvement: Lead defect investigations and FA (including BGA rework), drive CARs, and reduce scrap and rework.Documentation control: Create/maintain WIs, process specs, and BOMs; issue ECNs; manage updates from redlines; release and maintain via ECO.Mechanical sustaining and NPI: Provide sustaining engineering expertise to harden designs; support process and product development.Test and records: Maintain accurate documentation of test techniques, results, and SPC data.Digital toolset: Build advanced assembly layouts using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and AEGIS Software; manage data flow into the MRP.Manufacturing planning: Define sequences of operations; develop manufacturing BOMs, routings, and tooling work orders from customer drawings/specs.Customer collaboration: Clarify specs/requirements; review PO, drawing, and spec changes for incorporation and cost impact.Standards and compliance: Develop methods and tooling to applicable customer quality standards per IPC & J‑STD‑001; support ISO‑9000, AS9100, and ISO 13485 certification efforts.Cross‑functional engagement: Partner with management, production control, quality, and shop personnel to improve flow, schedules, and output.Quality systems: Meet productivity/quality targets and uphold current QMS requirements; assist with MRB dispositions and manage CARs/SCARs.Documentation release: Deliver complete, controlled documentation to Document Control, Quality, and Production.Compliance note: ITAR/export control requirements apply.QualificationsBS in engineering (electronics/electrical or mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience as a Manufacturing Engineer in a PCBA SMT assembly/test environment.5+ years preferred supporting aerospace/defense, medical, and semiconductor customers.Clear technical communication skills, written and verbal.Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Access; CAD/production software experience required (AEGIS preferred); AutoCAD and SolidWorks experience valued.Strong analytical troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities; meticulous and well organized.Background in process design, development, and project planning.Demonstrated experience preparing/maintaining drawings, procedures, process routers, and BOMs with full documentation/configuration control.Understands production flow; can build effective plans and routings aligned to that flow.Hands‑on experience establishing and executing Statistical Process Control in manufacturing.Tools & technologiesSMT machines: Panasonic, Mydata, YamahaAOI and X‑ray inspection systemsCAM software; AEGIS Software; AutoCAD; SolidWorksCompany MRP system for BOMs, routings, and tooling work ordersCore proficienciesPCB Assembly (PCBA)Design for Manufacturability (DFM)Aerospace manufacturing practicesWe value a positive, collaborative attitude and a willingness to jump in wherever needed to support customers and company goals. You’ll help us meet demanding schedules while raising the bar on quality and efficiency.