SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead - Japanese Manufacturing

Aitworks Inc; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401K

Paid vacation 10 days

Promotional programs

Bonuses

Job summary

A Japanese manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois seeks an SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead to head technical center activities, demonstrations, product trials, and advanced SMT applications.

The role combines hands‑on process engineering with technical leadership to support customer requirements and the deployment of SMT technologies, including Industry 4.0 and MES connectivity. Travel up to 15% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent directly relevant industry experience.
• At least 10 years in SMT process engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead customer demonstrations and technical evaluations.
• Advanced troubleshooting capabilities across mechanical, electrical, software, programming, material‑handling, and process‑related issues.
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestic/international.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Technical Center, including scheduling, priorities, safety, appearance, and customer readiness.
• Plan and lead customer demonstrations, technical evaluations, product trials, training activities, and proof‑of‑concept builds from preparation through final presentation and follow‑up.
• Work with customers and internal teams to define application requirements, demonstration objectives, process conditions, and measurable success criteria.
• Configure, program, operate, and optimize SMT line systems.
• Perform high‑level troubleshooting of machine, software, mechanical, electrical, material‑handling, programming, and process‑related issues.
• Maintain Technical Center equipment, feeders, tooling, software, spare parts, boards, materials, and consumables in an organized and fully operational condition.
• Demonstrate smart factory and connected‑line capabilities, including Industry 4.0 concepts, MES connectivity, production data, automation, and applicable line communication standards.
• Prepare demonstration reports, technical summaries, process recommendations, training materials, and customer‑facing technical documentation.
• Support major trade show activities
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Skills

SMT process engineering

Customer demonstrations

Troubleshooting

Industry 4.0

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

A Japanese manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois is looking for a SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead.

The Technical Center Lead is responsible for leading and managing technical center activities, including customer demonstrations, proof-of-concept builds, advanced applications, and troubleshooting of complex SMT equipment and production-line issues. The role provides hands‑on process engineering and technical leadership to support customer requirements and the successful application of SMT technologies.

The position requires strong software aptitude and the ability to work effectively with advanced manufacturing technologies and digital tools. The Technical Center Lead evaluates and applies emerging technologies and capabilities to practical customer and production environments, supporting continuous improvement and the advancement of SMT processes and applications.

• • Oversee the daily operations of the Technical Center, including scheduling, priorities, safety, appearance, and customer readiness.
• • Plan and lead customer demonstrations, technical evaluations, product trials, training activities, and proof‑of‑concept builds from preparation through final presentation and follow‑up.
• • Work with customers and internal teams to define application requirements, demonstration objectives, process conditions, and measurable success criteria.
• • Configure, program, operate, and optimize placement equipment and support SMT line systems.
• • Perform high‑level troubleshooting of machine, software, mechanical, electrical, material‑handling, programming, and process‑related issues.
• • Maintain Technical Center equipment, feeders, tooling, software, spare parts, boards, materials, and consumables in an organized and fully operational condition.
• • Demonstrate smart factory and connected‑line capabilities, including Industry 4.0 concepts, MES connectivity, production data, automation, and applicable line communication standards.
• • Prepare demonstration reports, technical summaries, process recommendations, training materials, and customer‑facing technical documentation.
• • Support major trade show activities
• • Other duties as assigned by manager.

• • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or equivalent directly relevant industry experience.
• • Extensive experience in SMT process engineering, or a closely related technical field; at least 10 yrs.
• • Demonstrated ability to independently lead customer demonstrations, and technical evaluations
• • Advanced troubleshooting capabilities across mechanical, electrical, software, programming, material‑handling, and process‑related issues.
• • Knowledge of smart factory systems
• • Ability to analyze production and machine performance, identify root causes, and develop practical corrective actions.
• • Ability to travel up to 15% domestic/international

• Employment Status | Full Time
• Position | SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead
• Language | English
• Working Hours | Monday-Friday 5 days work 8am-5pm 8 hours a day
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are off.
• Break time: 1 hour
• Salary | – $125,000（DOE）
• Benefit | Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision insurance): 100% coverage for the individual and 50% coverage for dependents
• Life insurance
• 401K
• Paid vacation 10 days per year
• Weekends and holidays off
• Promotional programs available
• Bonuses available