SMT Process Engineer — First PCB Line Startup

Etched; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision packages

Housing subsidy

Relocation support

Daily lunch and dinner

Unlimited compute budget

Job summary

Etched is seeking an SMT Process Engineer to help establish our first PCBA manufacturing facility. You will be part of the core team selecting, installing, qualifying, and launching our first SMT production line, with hands-on ownership of manufacturing readiness from initial setup through volume production.

This role spans equipment programming, process development, tooling, operator training, and engineering build support.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years SMT manufacturing engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting SMT line installation, commissioning, or factory startup.
• Experience with equipment acceptance testing, qualification, and production ramp-up.
• Hands-on experience programming and optimizing SMT equipment.
• Experience supporting PCBA manufacturing from prototype builds through high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Launch our first SMT line: define technical specs, acceptance criteria, and coordinate installation with vendors and facilities teams.
• Qualify equipment for production: FAT/SAT testing and development of startup/qualification plans.
• Own SMT programming and process development: maintain libraries, machine databases, and standard setup procedures.
• Establish tooling readiness: procure and qualify stencils, fixtures, pallets, and depanelization tooling.
• Support prototype through production builds and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime.
• Develop manufacturing standards: SOPs, process controls, and lab readiness checks.
• Train and certify operators on equipment operation, changes, and process controls.
• Provide technical leadership to one SMT Engineering Technician for maintenance and support.
• Ensure process and lab readiness: reflow profiling and failure analysis readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement: improve FPY, throughput, and OEE; optimize changeovers.

Skills

SMT manufacturing

Process improvement

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SPI

AOI

AXI

Solder paste printers

P&P programming

Job description

Etched is seeking an SMT Process Engineer to help establish our first PCBA manufacturing facility. You will be part of the core team selecting, installing, qualifying, and launching our first SMT production line, with hands-on ownership of manufacturing readiness from initial setup through volume production.

This role spans equipment programming, process development, tooling, operator training, and engineering build support.