Summary: The Product Engineer is responsible for supporting customer products throughout the manufacturing lifecycle by developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes that ensure quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This role serves as a technical liaison between customers and internal teams, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), process development, engineering change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Product Engineer collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Customer teams to develop robust manufacturing solutions, resolve technical challenges, and drive operational excellence within a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment.
Essential Functions:- Lead technical discussions with internal and external customers regarding product requirements, manufacturability, and engineering solutions.
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities to ensure successful product launches and manufacturing readiness.
- Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes that support quality, efficiency, and customer requirements.
- Review and evaluate customer Product Change Notices (PCNs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and technical documentation to ensure accurate implementation.
- Identify and recommend Design for Excellence (DFx) opportunities to improve manufacturability, quality, reliability, and cost.
- Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing aids to support production requirements.
- Analyze manufacturing performance data and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
- Support development and maintenance of PPAP documentation, Process FMEAs, Control Plans, and related quality documentation.
- Support Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams in troubleshooting product, process, and customer-related issues.
- Participate in RMA investigations, MRB activities, corrective actions, and product upgrade initiatives.
- Provide technical training and guidance to Engineers, Technicians, Operators, and cross-functional teams as required.
- Support and maintain compliance with customer requirements, company policies, and the Quality Management System.
Leadership Responsibilities:- Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve manufacturing performance and customer satisfaction.
- Serve as a technical resource for Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
Competencies:- Product and process engineering
- Design for Excellence (DFx)
- Manufacturing process development
- Root cause analysis and problem solving
- Continuous improvement methodologies
- Project management
- Technical leadership and influence
- Customer relationship management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data analysis and decision-making
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Organization and prioritization skills
- Adaptability and innovation
Qualifications: - Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline preferred
- Certifications:
- Lean Manufacturing Certification preferred
- Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred
- IPC certifications preferred
- Experience:
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of engineering experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably within a high-reliability or contract manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing process development, process validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and implement Design for Excellence (DFx) opportunities to improve manufacturability, quality, reliability, and cost.
- Working knowledge of printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturing processes, including Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Through-Hole Assembly, Press-Fit Technology, Solder Rework, Thermal Profiling, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), and X-Ray Inspection.
- Experience supporting quality planning and process control methodologies, including Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and related quality management system requirements.
- Knowledge of IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, RoHS, and other applicable industry standards and customer requirements.
- Demonstrated analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
- Must qualify as an ITAR-compliant U.S. Person.
Physical Requirements:- Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work
- Frequent movement throughout office and manufacturing environments
- Ability to inspect manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and product assemblies
- Frequent use of computers and technical equipment
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
- Ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams
Mental Requirements:- Ability to analyze complex technical and manufacturing issues
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering drawings, and manufacturing data
- Ability to lead problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers and all levels of the organization
- Ability to adapt to changing business priorities and customer requirements
Work Environment: - Work is performed in a combination of professional office, electronics manufacturing, remote, and travel-based environments. Responsibilities may require regular interaction with production areas, exposing employees to moderate noise levels, fluctuating temperatures, production equipment, soldering operations, automated machinery, and general manufacturing activity. Duties may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, computer-based work, and occasional lifting or movement of materials consistent with job responsibilities. Employees entering production or controlled areas are required to follow all environmental, safety, ESD, quality, and equipment-handling procedures, including the use of SMTC-provided ESD-safe items where applicable. The role also requires travel between company locations, customer sites, or other business-related destinations as needed, as well as the ability to maintain a safe and secure remote workspace with reliable internet access when working remotely. Employees must remain attentive and compliant with all operational, safety, quality, confidentiality, and company policy requirements across all work environments.
Travel: 0-10% of the time based on business needs.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
