SMT Process Control Engineer
About the role
The SMT Process Control Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring consistent and high-quality manufacturing processes in Milwaukee Electronics' SMT production line. This position involves direct involvement on the production floor, collaborating closely with operators, technicians, and various engineering teams.
Responsibilities
Own and sustain defined manufacturing processes to ensure consistent execution across shifts and product lines.
Establish, document, and maintain standard work, process flows, and operating parameters for SMT processes including solder paste printing, reflow, wave/selective soldering, and inspection.
Maintain a consistent presence on the SMT production line to observe real-time process execution, support operators, and immediately address process variation or non-conformance.
Develop and maintain process control plans and reaction plans for critical manufacturing processes.
Define key process parameters (KPPs) and critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics across SMT operations — including solder paste volume, reflow profile parameters, and placement accuracy.
Implement and sustain SPC methodologies to support process control and early detection of variation.
Select appropriate control chart types and sampling approaches.
Analyze SPC data to identify trends, special cause variation, and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure SPC results drive timely action, not just reporting.
Lead and support root cause analysis related to process variation, defects, and escapes.
Drive process improvements focused on variation reduction, yield improvement, and defect prevention.
Support process validation, qualification, and change implementation.
Validate improvements through defined process metrics and data analysis.
Operate primarily from the SMT production floor, partnering directly with operators, technicians, and supervisors rather than working from a traditional engineering office environment.
Provide hands-on coaching and training to operators and technicians on process discipline and control.
Communicate process risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities clearly to stakeholders.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or a related technical field.
4–6 years of experience in SPC, process control, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
Experience in a manufacturing environment, especially in electronics manufacturing or SMT production environments.
Hands-on experience with SMT processes, including solder paste printing, reflow, wave/selective soldering, or AOI/SPI.
Familiarity with SMT capital equipment such as screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, or AOI/SPI systems.
Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC standards).
Advanced knowledge of statistical process control and process capability analysis.
Experience with SPC methodologies, control charts, and reaction planning.
Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel).
Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, and process validation.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and influence cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
Physical Demands: Regular standing, walking, and sitting in a manufacturing environment; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent use of computer and analytical tools; moderate noise levels typical of a production environment; daily, continuous on-site presence required to support operations and real-time process control.
Work Environment: SMT and electronics manufacturing production floor environment; regular interaction with SMT capital equipment including screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and AOI/SPI systems; moderate noise levels typical of a production environment; daily, continuous on-site presence required to support operations and real-time process control.
Benefits
Milwaukee Electronics offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the company's success.
Pay
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Schedule
Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate production needs.