Smt Process Engineer

Actalent; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

PTO / leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an SMT Process Engineer to develop and optimize PCB assembly processes in Plano, TX. You will drive process improvements across stencil printing, SPI/AOI, reflow, and soldering, while supporting NPI and production launches in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have extensive SMT/PCBA experience, IPC knowledge, and hands‑on tooling expertise with major SMT platforms. This is a contract-to-hire onsite role with strong emphasis on quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 37+ years of SMT/PCBA engineering experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and PCB assembly techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with solder paste, AOI, SPI, X‑ray inspection, and traceability systems in an SMT environment.
• Experience developing and optimizing reflow profiles and soldering processes for leaded and lead‑free applications.
• Experience programming and maintaining SMT equipment and related production machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing defects, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Knowledge of IPC standards including IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, as well as ESD control practices.
• Experience with MES, ERP, and manufacturing documentation systems.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed process documentation, work instructions, SOPs, PFMEA, and control plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to meet production, quality, and cost objectives.
• Support SMT production lines including stencil printing, SPI, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering, AOI, and selective or wave solder processes.
• Optimize SMT programming, feeder setup, machine utilization, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues using structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to improve manufacturing performance and product reliability.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), prototype builds, process validation, and production launches for SMT/PCBA.
• Develop and validate reflow profiles for leaded and lead‑free soldering.

Skills

SMT/PCBA engineering experience

SMT manufacturing processes

Solder paste, AOI, SPI, X-ray

Reflow profile optimization

SMT equipment programming

Root cause analysis

IPC standards knowledge

MES/ERP familiarity

Documentation and PFMEA

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Panasonic NPM

Yamaha

Fuji

ASM

Juki

Universal

AOI

SPI

X-ray inspection

Traceability systems

Job description

Job Title: SMT Process EngineerJob Description

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain SMT and PCBA manufacturing processes to meet production, quality, and cost objectives.
• Support SMT production lines including stencil printing, solder paste inspection (SPI), pick-and-place, reflow soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), and selective or wave solder processes.
• Optimize SMT programming, feeder setup, machine utilization, and line balancing to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Analyze and resolve process issues related to solder defects, component placement, reflow profiles, PCB handling, and overall assembly quality.
• Create and maintain work instructions, process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), PFMEA, control plans, and engineering change documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing and quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve manufacturing performance and product reliability.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), prototype builds, process validation, and production launches for SMT and PCBA assemblies.
• Develop and validate reflow profiles for both leaded and lead-free soldering processes.
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing metrics including first pass yield (FPY), scrap, downtime, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and defect reduction.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance activities for SMT equipment to ensure stable and reliable operation.
• Evaluate and recommend tooling, fixtures, process improvements, and automation opportunities to enhance productivity and quality.
• Assist in customer audits, internal audits, and compliance activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with ESD controls, IPC standards, IATF-related requirements, and applicable safety standards.
• Train production operators and technician staff on SMT process improvements, best practices, and proper use of equipment and documentation.

Essential Skills

• 37+ years of SMT/PCBA engineering experience in electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and PCB assembly techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with solder paste, AOI, SPI, X‑ray inspection, and traceability systems in an SMT environment.
• Experience developing and optimizing reflow profiles and soldering processes for leaded and lead‑free applications.
• Experience programming and maintaining SMT equipment and related production machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing defects, analyze root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Knowledge of IPC standards including IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001, as well as ESD control practices.
• Experience with MES, ERP, and manufacturing documentation systems.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed process documentation, work instructions, SOPs, PFMEA, and control plans.
• Strong process development and process engineering skills in SMT assembly and PCBA manufacturing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with SMT equipment platforms such as Panasonic NPM (preferred), Yamaha, Fuji, ASM, Juki, Universal, or similar systems.
• Experience with box build, conformal coating, dispensing machines, and PCB soldering processes.
• Familiarity with IATF-related requirements and automotive quality methodologies including APQP, PPAP, and PFMEA.
• Experience with AOI, SPI, X‑ray inspection, and traceability systems is preferred.
• Understanding of automotive quality expectations and structured problem‑solving approaches.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, ramp‑up manufacturing environment and support NPI activities.

Work Environment

This role is based in an SMT electronics manufacturing environment characterized by high‑mix, high‑precision PCB assembly operations. You will work around SMT lines that include stencil printing, SPI, pick‑and‑place equipment, reflow ovens, AOI systems, X‑ray inspection, and traceability solutions, as well as supporting processes such as selective and wave soldering, box build, conformal coating, and dispensing. The environment is structured, safety‑focused, and driven by continuous improvement, with strong emphasis on adherence to IPC standards, ESD controls, and quality system requirements such as IATF‑related practices. As part of a growing U.S. startup operation that is ramping up production, you can expect a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities to influence processes, introduce new technologies, and contribute to scalable manufacturing solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plano, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plano, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Plano,TX.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.