SMT Process Engineer

Kitron Group; Windber (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

EAP

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Kitron Group in Windber, PA is seeking an experienced SMT Process Engineer to lead manufacturing readiness for new customer programs, conduct DFM/DFX reviews, and drive transfer of products from development into full‑rate production.

You will own SMT processes (printing, SPI, placement, reflow, AOI/AXI), develop process controls, analyze data, and partner with IT and Operations to improve yield, throughput, and cost. A bachelor's in engineering and 7+ years in SMT are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years SMT manufacturing experience with increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading NPI activities in an EMS or electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of SMT processes including printing, placement, reflow, AOI, SPI, AXI, and process validation.
• Experience with SMT machine programming and optimization.
• Strong understanding of PCB fabrication, assembly documentation, and manufacturing data.
• Proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new customer programs from quotation through production launch.
• Conduct DFM, DFA, DFT, and broader DFX reviews to identify risks and optimization opportunities.
• Review Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, CAD, BOM, fabrication drawings, and customer specs.
• Develop manufacturing process flows, equipment strategies, and production plans for new assemblies.
• Participate in customer design reviews and provide technical manufacturing recommendations.
• Lead prototype, first article, pilot, and pre-production builds.
• Drive successful transfer of products from development into full-rate manufacturing.
• Own SMT manufacturing processes including solder paste printing, SPI, placement, reflow, AOI, AXI, and post-reflow inspection.
• Develop and optimize process parameters to improve yield, throughput, quality, and efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for process, quality, and equipment issues.
• Support stencil design, solder paste optimization, component placement strategies, and reflow process development.
• Perform and analyze thermal profiling to ensure robust soldering processes.
• Establish process controls, validation plans, and manufacturing standards.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

NPI leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Root cause analysis

Process optimization

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Fuji

Universal Instruments

PARMI

Saki inspection

Aegis FactoryLogix MES

Job description

For over 40 years, Kitron Group has been leading the way in manufacturing and assembly of electronics for daily use around the world. Our focus on the values of Commitment, Innovation, and Engagement has enabled us to become a leading global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company. Our U.S.-based facility, Kitron Technologies, is continuing to expand and add to our team.

Why Work for Us?

At Kitron, we have a team of highly-skilled and trained colleagues. Working for us means you get access to ongoing learning and development opportunities, as well as our industry-leading benefits offerings, such as:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)
• Company-paid life insurance, short term disability, and long term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Additional voluntary benefits

Hear from a Kitron Employee

Check out the link below to learn directly from one of Kitron's tenured employees about her experience working for the company.

About the Role

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/ FUNCTIONS

New Product Introduction

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new customer programs from quotation through production launch.
• Conduct DFM, DFA, DFT, and broader DFX reviews to identify manufacturing risks and optimization opportunities.
• Review Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, CAD, BOM, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and customer specifications.
• Develop manufacturing process flows, equipment strategies, and production plans for new assemblies.
• Participate in customer design reviews and provide technical manufacturing recommendations.
• Lead prototype, first article, pilot, and pre-production builds.
• Drive successful transfer of products from development into full-rate manufacturing

SMT Process Engineering

• Own SMT manufacturing processes including solder paste printing, SPI, placement, reflow, AOI, AXI, and post-reflow inspection.
• Develop and optimize process parameters to improve yield, throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for process, quality, and equipment issues.
• Support stencil design, solder paste optimization, component placement strategies, and reflow process development.
• Perform and analyze thermal profiling to ensure robust soldering processes.
• Establish process controls, validation plans, and manufacturing standards.

SMT Programming and Equipment Optimization

• Develop, optimize, and maintain programs for SMT production equipment.
• Support Fuji, Universal Instruments, and related SMT platforms.
• Improve line balancing, placement efficiency, utilization, and throughput performance.
• Support integration of new equipment, software, automation technologies, and inspection systems.
• Develop best practices for machine programming and setup reduction.

Manufacturing Systems and Data Analysis

• Utilize MES, ERP, and manufacturing systems to drive process improvements.
• Support Aegis FactoryLogix and equipment communication systems.
• Analyze manufacturing data and KPIs to identify opportunities for quality, productivity, and cost improvements.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to guide operational decision-making.
• Partner with IT and manufacturing teams to improve equipment connectivity and data collection capabilities.

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive reductions in defects, scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
• Implement mistake-proofing, process controls, and best manufacturing practices.
• Support capacity planning, labor efficiency improvements, and automation projects.
• Champion a culture of data-driven problem solving and operational excellence.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the technical liaison between Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customers.
• Support customer audits, technical reviews, and escalations.
• Mentor technicians, operators, and junior engineers.
• Provide technical leadership during product launches and manufacturing challenges.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and manufacturing scalability efforts.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and relevant SMT manufacturing experience.
• 7+ years of SMT manufacturing experience with increasing levels of technical responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading NPI activities in an EMS or electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of SMT processes including printing, placement, reflow, AOI, SPI, AXI, and process validation.
• Experience with SMT machine programming and optimization.
• Strong understanding of PCB fabrication, assembly documentation, and manufacturing data.
• Proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fuji and/or Universal Instruments programming expertise.
• PARMI and/or Saki inspection experience.
• Aegis FactoryLogix MES experience.
• IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, IPC-CID, or related certifications.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience implementing automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical working conditions at Kitron are indoors, safe, well lit, temperature controlled, low exposure to noxious fumes or offensive odors, clean and sanitary conditions with average light industrial noise.Production areas have machinery with moving parts.Static dissipative smock, and shoes are required.Offices with locking doors, meeting rooms, and common printing areas are well lit, clean, low noise, and temperature controlled with no exposure to noxious fumes or offensive odors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand
• Walk
• Sit
• Climb
• Stoop/Kneel
• Vision --NearFarColor
• Dexterity --FingersManual
• Lift/Carrywithout assistance
• Arm/Hand Steadiness

Pre-Employment Requirements

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening. These screenings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and help us maintain a safe and secure workplace.