SMT Process Control Engineer
Job Location:
Milwaukee, WI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
At Milwaukee Electronics acceleration isnt just what we do; its how we grow. As an electronics manufacturing services provider with more than 70 years of innovation we partner with customers to turn ideas into reality. We invest in our people through learning advancement and a culture that truly cares. If youre looking for meaningful work strong teamwork and room to go beyond youll feel at home here.
SUMMARY
The SMT Process Control Engineer is responsible for owning defining and sustaining manufacturing processes to ensure consistent execution stability and quality across production. This role focuses on process discipline standardization and control using statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis as tools to monitor performance detect variation and drive corrective action.
This position is embedded directly on the SMT production floor and requires a continuous on-floor presence. The SMT Process Control Engineer works alongside operators technicians Manufacturing Engineering Quality and Production teams on the line to establish clear process expectations maintain control plans and reaction plans and ensure processes are followed understood and capable over time. This is a hands-on floor-based role not a desk-based or remote engineering position.
Manufacturing Process Ownership
- 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
- Ensure processes are clearly defined understood and followed by production teams
- Regularly observe process execution on the production floor and address gaps in adherence or understanding
- 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
Process Control & Stability
- 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
- Use SPC and other monitoring methods to confirm process stability and capability
- Lead response and corrective action when processes deviate from defined expectations
SPC & Data-Driven Enforcement
- 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
Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
- 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
Cross-Functional & Floor Engagement
- 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
- Support NPI process transfers and production ramp-ups by establishing stable repeatable processes
- Communicate process risks gaps and improvement opportunities clearly to stakeholders
Quality & Compliance Support
- Ensure manufacturing processes and controls align with ISO AS IPC and customer requirements
- Support audits CAPA activities and customer issues related to process performance
- Maintain accurate and controlled process documentation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Industrial Mechanical Electrical Engineering Statistics or a related technical field
- 46 years of experience in SPC process control quality engineering or manufacturing engineering
- Experience in a manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in electronics manufacturing or SMT production environments strongly preferred
- 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)
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- 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
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation
- Strong analytical problem-solving and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and influence cross-functional teams
- Regular standing walking and sitting in a manufacturing environment
- Occasionallifting upto 25 pounds
- Frequent use of computer and analytical tools
- SMT and electronics manufacturing production floor environment
- Primary work location is on the production floor and SMT line not in an engineering office area
- 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
ITAR Compliance Requirement
This position is located within an ITAR-regulated facility. Due to the nature of the work and access to controlled information applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens lawful permanent residents asylees or refugees).
MILWAUKEE ELECTRONICS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability or age. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process please contact Human Resources at or
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
From printed circuit board assembly - PCBA, electronic design and beyond. Milwaukee Electronics™ - Integrated design & mfg. since 1954. Click to learn more.
