Job Summary :
The Quality Engineer for SMT / MI is responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards are met throughout the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) & Manual Insertion (MI) assembly process in an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) environment. This role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining quality control procedures,
conducting inspections, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of defects and drive continuous improvement in SMT / MI production.
Key Responsibilities :
- Quality System Development & Implementation :
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality control plans, procedures,
and work instructions specifically for SMT / MI processes (e.g., solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, AOI, SPI).
Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC- 7711 / 7721), customer specifications, and internal quality policies.Establish and monitor key quality metrics (e.g., First Pass Yield, Defect Per Million Opportunities - DPMO, Cost of Poor Quality related to SMT / MI).Process Monitoring & Control :Conduct regular audits and inspections of SMT / MI production lines, processes, and equipment to ensure compliance with quality standards and procedures.Monitor and analyze SMT / MI process parameters (e.g., reflow profiles, paste volume, placement accuracy)to ensure optimalquality output.Utilize and interpretdata from AutomatedOptical Inspection (AOI),Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), and X-rayinspection systems to identify trends and potential issues.
Implement statistical process control (SPC)techniques for criticalSMT parameters.Defect Analysis & Root Cause Investigation :Lead or participate in the investigation of SMT / MI-related defects,failures, and customer returns.Conduct root cause analysisusing methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, 8D reports, etc.Work closely with SMT / MI Production, Process Engineering, and Design teams to implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).Verify the effectiveness of implemented CAPAs& ECN’s.Inspection & Testing :Oversee and optimize in-process and final inspection criteria for SMT / MI assemblies.Develop and maintain inspection checklists and visualaids for SMT / MI operators and inspectors.Train production personnel on qualitystandards, inspection techniques, and defect identification.Supplier Quality (SMT-related) :Collaborate with the supplierquality team to assess and ensure the quality of incoming SMT / MI components and materials.Address and resolvequality issues relatedto components used in SMT / MI.Documentation & Reporting :Maintain comprehensive quality records, including inspection reports, audit findings, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and CAPAdocumentation.
Prepare and present quality reports to management, highlighting SMT / MI performance, trends, and improvement initiatives.Contribute to the creation and revision of manufacturing work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) from a quality perspective.Continuous Improvement :Drive continuous improvement activities on the SMT / MI line to enhance yield, reduce scrap, and improve overall product quality.Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) phases to ensure "Design for Quality" and "Design for Manufacturability" principles areincorporated into SMT / MI processes.
Stay updated with the latest SMT / MI technologies, quality trends,and industry best practices.Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, ElectricalEngineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
Technical Skills :In-depth knowledge of IPC-A-610 standards (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) is mandatory; IPC certification (e.g.,IPC-A-610 CIS or CSE) is highly preferred.Strong understanding of SMT / MI defects, their causes, and corrective actions.Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., SPC, FMEA, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Control Plans).Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.Experience with quality management systems (e.g.,ISO 9001).Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for presentations).