Techstaff
Junior Manufacturing Engineer - Process Implementation and Control
Techstaff, Scottsdale, Arizona, us, 85261
Department:
Manufacturing Reports To:
Production Manager / Senior Manufacturing Engineer Job Summary:
The Junior Manufacturing Engineer will support the development, implementation, and control of manufacturing processes for electronics board assembly and testing. This role focuses on ensuring consistent process execution, identifying areas for improvement, and driving increased efficiency across the production floor. Key responsibilities include documenting processes, training operators, and working with cross-functional teams to improve process reliability, product quality, and yield.
The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in electronics manufacturing processes, including solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection techniques, along with a strong focus on process documentation, analysis, and improvement.
Key Responsibilities: Process Development and Documentation Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process flow diagrams for all stages of electronics board manufacturing, including: - Solder paste printing (stencil selection, paste types, print parameters) - Surface Mount Technology (SMT) component placement - Reflow soldering (profile development and monitoring) - Through-hole soldering and manual assembly - Automated and manual inspection processes (AOI, visual inspection) Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure processes are repeatable and meet product requirements. Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews to ensure new designs are production-ready. Process Control and Monitoring Assist with the monitoring and control of critical process parameters (e.g., solder paste viscosity, stencil life, oven profiles, and placement accuracy). Implement process control plans and in-process inspections to ensure consistent quality and minimize defects. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, rework levels, and process yields, and assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions. Support process validation efforts, including first article inspections (FAI) and process capability studies. Continuous Improvement Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve product quality. Work with senior engineers to analyze defects and process failures, recommending and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Contribute to Lean Manufacturing projects, including process mapping, 5S, and waste reduction. Training and Support Train production operators on new or updated processes, ensuring clear understanding of work instructions and quality expectations. Provide hands-on support during production runs, especially for new product introductions (NPI) or process changes. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure processes comply with internal standards and industry standards such as IPC-A-610. Work with maintenance teams to ensure proper equipment setup, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting for process-related equipment such as: - Stencil printers - Pick-and-place machines - Reflow ovens - Soldering equipment (wave solder, selective solder, hand soldering) - Inspection tools (microscopes, AOI, X-ray) Job Requirements
Qualifications: Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. 1-3 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably including PCB assembly, soldering processes, and electronics quality standards. Relevant internship or co-op experience in electronics manufacturing is a plus. Technical Knowledge Basic understanding of solder paste types, stencil design, print parameters, and process control techniques. Familiarity with SMT, reflow profiles, and inspection methods (AOI, X-ray, functional test). Knowledge of industry standards such as IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and ISO 9001 quality systems. Skills and Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly diagrams, and process documentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn ERP/MES systems. Effective communication skills to work across engineering, production, and quality teams. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is desirable. Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and move around the production floor for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Manufacturing Reports To:
Production Manager / Senior Manufacturing Engineer Job Summary:
The Junior Manufacturing Engineer will support the development, implementation, and control of manufacturing processes for electronics board assembly and testing. This role focuses on ensuring consistent process execution, identifying areas for improvement, and driving increased efficiency across the production floor. Key responsibilities include documenting processes, training operators, and working with cross-functional teams to improve process reliability, product quality, and yield.
The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in electronics manufacturing processes, including solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection techniques, along with a strong focus on process documentation, analysis, and improvement.
Key Responsibilities: Process Development and Documentation Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process flow diagrams for all stages of electronics board manufacturing, including: - Solder paste printing (stencil selection, paste types, print parameters) - Surface Mount Technology (SMT) component placement - Reflow soldering (profile development and monitoring) - Through-hole soldering and manual assembly - Automated and manual inspection processes (AOI, visual inspection) Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure processes are repeatable and meet product requirements. Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews to ensure new designs are production-ready. Process Control and Monitoring Assist with the monitoring and control of critical process parameters (e.g., solder paste viscosity, stencil life, oven profiles, and placement accuracy). Implement process control plans and in-process inspections to ensure consistent quality and minimize defects. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as defect rates, rework levels, and process yields, and assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions. Support process validation efforts, including first article inspections (FAI) and process capability studies. Continuous Improvement Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve product quality. Work with senior engineers to analyze defects and process failures, recommending and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Contribute to Lean Manufacturing projects, including process mapping, 5S, and waste reduction. Training and Support Train production operators on new or updated processes, ensuring clear understanding of work instructions and quality expectations. Provide hands-on support during production runs, especially for new product introductions (NPI) or process changes. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure processes comply with internal standards and industry standards such as IPC-A-610. Work with maintenance teams to ensure proper equipment setup, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting for process-related equipment such as: - Stencil printers - Pick-and-place machines - Reflow ovens - Soldering equipment (wave solder, selective solder, hand soldering) - Inspection tools (microscopes, AOI, X-ray) Job Requirements
Qualifications: Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field. 1-3 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably including PCB assembly, soldering processes, and electronics quality standards. Relevant internship or co-op experience in electronics manufacturing is a plus. Technical Knowledge Basic understanding of solder paste types, stencil design, print parameters, and process control techniques. Familiarity with SMT, reflow profiles, and inspection methods (AOI, X-ray, functional test). Knowledge of industry standards such as IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and ISO 9001 quality systems. Skills and Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, assembly diagrams, and process documentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn ERP/MES systems. Effective communication skills to work across engineering, production, and quality teams. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies is desirable. Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and move around the production floor for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.