SMT Process Engineer

The SMT Process Engineer is the technical owner of the SMT processes and equipment. SMT is a core competency and this role is the crux that ensures we deliver the highest quality product in the most optimized and efficient way. The role works closely with our Production, Quality and Product teams, but also interfaces with suppliers and customers.

Vanguard EMS, Inc. is in the service business. We build electronics assemblies for some of the most critical systems on Earth and beyond. Even with Vanguard’s advanced technology, vast manufacturing capability, and leading-edge information tools, we wake up every day thinking about how best to serve our customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live.

Responsibilities

• Develop processes for high complexity assemblies supporting customers’ requirements.
• Lead Root Cause and Corrective Actions for defects and escapes originating in SMT.
• Continuously improve stencil design guidelines and drive modifications for yield improvement.
• Identify the need, lead the design and validation of new production tooling/fixturing.
• Validate automated inspection systems and ensure they are utilized to their full potential.
• Drive improvements in our kitting, loading, debugging, pick/place and return to stock processes.
• Define reflow process window requirements and review/approve profiles.
• Collect, analyze and drive action from manufacturing data.
• Evaluate, procure, install and qualify new equipment.
• Ensure all equipment has the optimal preventative maintenance defined and establish new procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, working with both internal and external support to resolve issues in a timely manner to minimize production downtime.
• Support production technicians and operators on issues that arise.
• Utilize Design of Experiments to establish new processes and drive improvements to existing.
• Both lead and support process improvement efforts with the team.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or higher in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or related discipline. Or equivalent experience.
• Experience in Manufacturing or Process engineering.
• Customer service orientated (internal and external) with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of SMT processes and equipment; Stencil Printing, Solder Paste Inspection, Pick and Place, Reflow, AOI, 2D/3D X-Ray and BGA Rework.
• Experience programming SMT equipment, in particular; Fuji, Koh Young, Mirtec, Dage, Vitrox.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and executing DOE’s.
• Deep understanding of SPC and manufacturing data analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing tools and fixtures.
• Strong understanding of material science as it relates to solder, flux, adhesives, etc.
• Practical knowledge of equipment and process qualification using IQ, OQ, PQ or similar.
• Experience in an ISO9001 / AS9100 / ISO13485 certified quality management system.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC 7711/7721, IPC-A-600, and/or ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards.
• Proficiency in business systems such as MES, PLM, ERP, MRB.

Benefits

Benefits Package

• Competitive Salary based on experience and skill level
• Profit Share
• 401(k) with match
• Up to 15 days earned paid time off in the first year of employment
• Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision

This Job Posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities associated with this position. Management reserves the right to modify and assign other duties as necessary

While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses his/her hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear.  The employee uses computer and telephone equipment.  Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision and distance vision. 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described above are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.