Quality Engineer

Role Objective

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring process quality, defect prevention, and compliance across Surface Mount Technology (SMT)–based manufacturing and assembly operations. The role focuses on inline quality control, process capability, failure containment, and continuous improvement, ensuring stable manufacturing performance and adherence to internal and customer quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

A. Manufacturing Line Quality Ownership (SMT Operations)

• Own end‑to‑end quality performance for assigned SMT manufacturing and assembly lines.
• Ensure first‑pass yield (FPY), DPPM, and defect rate targets are achieved.
• Monitor line startup, SMT changeovers, and production runs for quality compliance.
• Ensure operations run within approved SMT process windows and specifications.

B. Process Control & Defect Prevention

• Implement and maintain process controls for SMT manufacturing, including:

  • Control Plans
  • PFMEA linkage
  • SPC monitoring for SMT‑critical parameters

• Drive defect prevention related to:

  • SMT assembly and handling defects
  • Soldering and interconnect issues
  • Placement, polarity, and orientation defects
  • Inspection and test fallout

• Lead root cause analysis using:

  • 5‑Why
  • Fishbone
  • DOE and data‑based analysis

C. Inline Inspection & Quality Monitoring

• Interface with SMT inline inspection and test systems, such as:

  • SPI, AOI, X‑ray (AXI)
  • In‑process and end‑of‑line testing
  • Visual inspection and acceptance criteria

• Ensure inspection programs and criteria are:

  • Correctly defined
  • Controlled and validated
  • Aligned with internal SMT standards and customer requirements

• Validate inspection effectiveness and optimize false rejects.

D. Non‑Conformance & CAPA Management

• Own internal non‑conformances and SMT manufacturing rejects.
• Lead containment, corrective, and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions before closure.
• Support MRB decisions and disposition controls.

E. Change Management & NPI Support

• Support new product introduction (NPI) and SMT process changes by:

  • Reviewing and updating SMT‑related PFMEA
  • Ensuring control plan readiness
  • Validating pilot builds and production ramp‑up

• Participate in:

  • SMT tooling, stencil, and fixture qualification
  • Equipment buy‑off and SMT process validation

F. Quality Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze key SMT quality metrics such as:

  • FPY
  • DPPM
  • Defect Pareto
  • Rework and scrap trends

• Prepare and present:

  • Daily SMT line quality updates
  • Weekly and monthly quality reports

• Drive data‑driven continuous improvement projects.

G. Supplier & Incoming Quality Support

• Support incoming quality issues related to SMT materials such as:

  • PCBs
  • Components
  • Solder paste and consumables

• Work with Supplier Quality teams for:

  • Root cause analysis
  • Corrective action verification

H. Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Ensure SMT manufacturing operations comply with:

  • ISO 9001
  • IATF 16949 
  • IPC standards and customer requirements

• Support internal, customer, and certification audits related to SMT quality.

I. Training & Quality Culture

• Train and coach:

  • SMT operators
  • Technicians
  • Manufacturing engineers

• Drive adherence to:

  • SOPs and work instructions
  • Visual controls
  • Quality and ESD practices

• Promote a strong quality ownership mindset on the shop floor.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering

Experience

• 3–8 years of experience in:
  • SMT manufacturing quality
  • Assembly or backend electronics operations

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of:

  • SMT manufacturing processes
  • Solder printing, placement, reflow fundamentals
  • SMT defect mechanisms

• Working knowledge of:

  • SPC
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • CAPA / 8D methodologies

• Familiarity with:

  • IPC standards
  • ESD and handling requirements