SMT Process Engineer

Kitron Technologies, Inc.; Windber (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO (Generous Paid Time Off)

Health insurance

EAP

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Kitron Technologies in the United States is seeking an experienced SMT Process Engineer to own all SMT manufacturing processes from development through ramp. You will drive process optimization, data-driven improvements, and robust problem solving across engineering, operations, and quality teams.

The role emphasizes process validation, MES data integration, and cross-functional leadership to enable new products to reach full-rate production efficiently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years SMT manufacturing experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience leading NPI activities in EMS/electronics environments.
• Strong knowledge of SMT printing, placement, reflow, AOI, SPI, AXI.
• Experience with SMT machine programming and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new customer programs from quotation to production launch.
• Conduct DFM/DFX reviews to identify risks and optimization opportunities.
• Review Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, CAD, BOM, and drawings.
• Develop process flows, equipment strategies, and production plans for new assemblies.
• Lead prototype, first article, pilot, and pre-production builds.
• Drive transfer of products from development into full-rate manufacturing.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

NPI leadership

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Fuji programming

Universal Instruments programming

Aegis FactoryLogix MES

Job description

Kitron is a leading Scandinavian Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, delivering full range of services within the entire value chain of electronics production, including development and design, industrialization and manufacturing, as well as product upgrades and service/repairs. We operate in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, India, China, Malaysia, and the United States.

With about 3000 highly skilled employees, we manufacture and deliver anything from fully assembled electronic circuit boards to complete end products for customers globally.

If you're ready to explore limitless opportunities and help world-class customers succeed, become a part of our team.

Why work with us?

Kitron offers a positive, challenging, and inspiring working environment. All employees share our three fundamental corporate values: Commitment, Innovation, and Engagement.

As a part of our team, you will have the opportunity to continuously develop your skills in order to reach your full potential. A career with us means opportunities to grow in any direction, find new ways to innovate and develop your talents.

Workplace & culture

We believe the workplace should be an environment where everyone can contribute. Kitron Group operates in several countries around the world. Working with us means working internationally. As an employee, you have the opportunity to work with colleagues not only in different positions but from different cultures. It is our responsibility to create a secure and rewarding working environment for our employees on a long-term basis.

Values

COMMITMENT

At Kitron, we are committed to customers, suppliers, shareholders, colleagues, sustainability and the environment.

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 ourindustry-leadingbenefits 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.

• 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

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

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.

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. · Customer-facing engineering experience. · Valid U.S. Passport.

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 -- Near Far Color
• Dexterity -- Fingers Manual
• Lift/Carry without 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.

Statements
Kitron is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). EEO policies cover all employees and employment programs, management practices and decisions to include recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, training and career development, benefits, and separation. All employees and applicants for employment shall be given fair treatment and equal employment opportunity regardless of their race, color, religion, age (40 and over), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or other prohibited non-merit factors.
Kitron Technologies is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Kitron will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 814-467-9779.
The employee must be able to perform the essential job duties/functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.