Senior SMT Process Engineer

Ntice Sourcing Solutions; Pinetown; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ntice Sourcing Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior SMT Process Engineer based in Pinetown, KZN. This role involves driving continuous improvement initiatives and optimising SMT, wave soldering, and reflow processes to enhance quality and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Electronics or related field, along with 5-7 years in electronics manufacturing. Key responsibilities include defect analysis, team training, and project management, with a focus on automation and compliance with IPC standards.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in electronics manufacturing / EMS environments.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFA, PFMEA, Lean Six Sigma, 5S.
• 1-2 years' supervisory or team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Optimise SMT, wave soldering, reflow, and selective soldering processes.
• Conduct defect analysis and implement corrective actions to improve first-pass yield.
• Train operators and technicians on process improvements and best practices.

Skills

Strong SMT assembly experience

Wave soldering

Reflow and selective soldering

AOI programming

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Continuous improvement

Project management

Team leadership experience

Education

BSc / BEng / BTech / National Diploma in Electronics, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Our client, a leading Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) company, is seeking an experienced Senior SMT Process Engineer to support process optimisation, quality improvement, automation, and technical support across SMT and electronic assembly operations, based in Pinetown, KZN and reporting to the Operations Director. If you don't have experience with EMS you will not qualify, even coming from a Process or Industrial Engineering background.

• BSc / BEng / BTech / National Diploma in Electronics, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5-7 years' experience in electronics manufacturing / EMS environments.
• Strong SMT assembly, wave soldering, reflow, and selective soldering experience.
• Experience with AOI programming, X-ray inspection, and electronic defect analysis.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFA, PFMEA, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and SMT line programming.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven experience driving continuous improvement, automation, and cost reduction projects.
• Project management experience within NPI and manufacturing improvement initiatives.
• 1-2 years' supervisory or team leadership experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimise SMT, wave soldering, reflow, and selective soldering processes to improve quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain thermal profiles in line with IPC standards and component specifications.
  Conduct defect analysis, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve first-pass yield.
• Manage AOI programming, X-ray inspection, and validation of BGA/LGA and hidden solder joints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma, 5S, line balancing, and automation principles.
• Support NPI activities, pilot builds, prototype validation, and customer return investigations.
• Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and process documentation.
• Train operators and technicians on process improvements and best practices.
• Support equipment validation, preventative maintenance, and factory maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with IPC-A-610, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and customer requirements.
• Lead and mentor junior Process and Maintenance Technicians.