Smt Process Engineer

Job Title:

SMT Process Engineer Job Description This hands-on SMT Process Engineer role focuses on supporting, owning, and continuously improving Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations within a highly regulated electronics environment. You will lead SMT process development and optimization, drive data-driven continuous improvement initiatives, and provide technical leadership and mentorship to SMT technicians. The position requires strong experience in electronics manufacturing, a solid understanding of SMT processes, and the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams while maintaining strict adherence to quality, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities Own, develop, optimize, and sustain SMT manufacturing processes for production, ensuring stable, repeatable, and efficient operations. Lead, instruct, and mentor a team of SMT technicians, providing technical guidance, on-the-job training, and day-to-day process support. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and data-driven methodologies to enhance yield, quality, and throughput. Identify process gaps and inefficiencies, and implement robust process improvements to reduce defects and improve overall performance. Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other process documentation in a controlled, documentation-driven environment. Support and help implement Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ensuring accurate process control, data collection, and traceability. Analyze process data and production metrics to identify trends, determine root causes, and define corrective and preventive actions. Apply Six Sigma principles, statistical analysis, and SPC tools to support process control, variability reduction, and continuous improvement. Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to resolve issues, introduce new products, and optimize production flows. Ensure all SMT processes comply with applicable regulatory requirements, internal quality standards, and company policies. Support circuit board and circuit card assembly processes (PCBA, CCA), including troubleshooting and improving related manufacturing steps. Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement by actively participating in problem-solving and process review activities. Essential Skills 2+ years of direct SMT process engineering experience in a production environment. 5+ years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry. 2+ years of direct experience in SOP implementation, process improvement, and MES software usage. Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. Strong experience with SMT process optimization and improvement, including setup, programming, and parameter refinement. Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles and their practical application in a production setting. Hands-on experience with SOP creation, management, and updates for manufacturing processes. Experience with MES implementation or day-to-day usage to support process control and traceability. Working knowledge of Six Sigma concepts and statistical/data analysis, including SPC and root cause analysis. Experience in manufacturing engineering for circuit boards, circuit cards, and circuit card assembly (PCBA/CCA). Demonstrated ability to lead, train, or mentor manufacturing or SMT technicians. Strong problem-solving skills with proven experience conducting structured root-cause analysis. Ability to work effectively in a regulated, documentation-driven environment with strict process controls. Experience with continuous improvement in SMT, surface-mount technology, and broader manufacturing processes. Additional Skills & Qualifications Demonstrated leadership or team-lead experience within manufacturing or engineering teams. Experience supporting high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronics manufacturing environments. Familiarity with ITAR or similar regulatory compliance requirements for electronics manufacturing. Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools. Exposure to circuit board design considerations as they relate to manufacturability and SMT processes. Comfort working with data-driven decision-making and production metrics to guide process changes. Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams in Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations. Ability to thrive in a fast-growing organization undergoing significant expansion driven by customer demand. Work Environment You will work in a small, close-knit facility of approximately 32 people on-site and around 90 employees company-wide, offering a collaborative and highly visible role with direct impact on operations. The environment supports electronics manufacturing with SMT lines and related equipment, along with MES and other production systems. The dress code is casual, complemented by basic electronic personal protective equipment such as capes and grounding bands to support electrostatic discharge (ESD) control. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, day shift, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The company is growing rapidly, with strong demand from local customers and expectations to significantly expand in size, providing opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibility. Employees receive paid time off and company-paid holidays as part of a competitive benefits package, within a culture that values continuous improvement, teamwork, and technical excellence. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tempe, AZ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $55.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Tempe,AZ.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.