Product Engineer

SMTC is hiring for a Product Engineer!

SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. SMTC has facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Canada. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.

Benefits Highlights:

*401K with company match

*PTO, Paid Holidays

*Tuition Reimbursement

*Medical HRA Plan

*Short term/Long term Disability Insurance, etc.

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.

Competencies:

• Product Engineering: Ability to support products throughout the manufacturing lifecycle from NPI through production.
• Manufacturing Process Development: Ability to develop and optimize manufacturing processes that improve quality and efficiency.
• Design for Excellence (DFx): Ability to identify opportunities that improve manufacturability, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Problem Solving: Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions.
• Continuous Improvement: Ability to apply Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple engineering projects while meeting business objectives.
• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide technical guidance and influence cross-functional teams.
• Customer Focus: Ability to build strong customer relationships while delivering technical solutions.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Organization: Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting project deadlines.
• Adaptability: Ability to respond effectively to changing customer requirements, technologies, and business priorities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required
• 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:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment for prolonged periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift office materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to visually review documents, reports, spreadsheets, and computer displays with or without corrective lenses.
• Ability to move throughout office and production areas as business needs require.

Mental Requirements:

• The employee is required to exercise sound judgment, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a professional business environment.
• The role requires the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing deadlines, interpret and analyze information, and make decisions consistent with organizational objectives.
• Employees must effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders, maintain confidentiality where appropriate, and adapt to changing business needs.
• The position requires sustained concentration, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and accuracy.

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.

SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.