A Manufacturing Process Engineer develops workflow, work station, and equipment improvement recommendations within a company's manufacturing environment. Fine tunes manufacturing processes by researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment. Evaluates manufacturing processes, applies knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and material.
SMT Process Engineer - New Product Introduction (NPI) Keysight Technologies, Inc. - 3.9 Santa Rosa, CA Job Details Full-time $114,620 - $191,030 a year 7 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Employee stock purchase plan Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account RSU Tuition reimbursement Adoption assistance Family leave Vision insurance Qualifications Production data analysis Defect resolution root cause analysis Quality control statistical data analysis Statistical Process Control Equipment troubleshooting Parts drawings Bachelor's degree in engineering Surface mount soldering Technical troubleshooting support Product quality failure Cross-functional communication Circuit boards Failure analysis Production troubleshooting
Full Job Description Overview:
Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~16,800 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do. Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers. As a team member of Keysight Technologies' New Product Introduction (NPI) organization, the SMT Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and executing surface mount technology (SMT) processes supporting rapid prototype builds, engineering builds, and quick-turn NPI assembly from prototype through ramp‑to‑production. This role is focused on enabling fast iteration cycles, high-quality prototype assembly, and early manufacturability validation. The engineer partners closely with R D, quality, and operations teams to provide immediate process feedback, improve first pass yield (FPY), and accelerate design-to-build learning cycles.
Responsibilities:
NPI Process Development & Quick-Turn Execution Develop and optimize SMT processes including stencil design, solder paste selection, component placement, and reflow profiles Define SMT process flows and parameters for rapid prototype and NPI builds Support prototype, engineering, and pilot builds with quick turnaround expectations Perform process characterization (DOE, process window validation, Cp/Cpk analysis) SMT Program & Equipment Optimization Create and refine stencil designs, pick-and-place programs, reflow profiles, and AOI/AXI programs Support and optimize SMT equipment including printers, Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), pick-and-place, reflow ovens, AOI/AXI Ensure equipment capability for fast-turn NPI builds and iterative development Line Readiness for Prototype Builds Prepare SMT lines for quick-turn builds including material validation, feeder setup, and rapid changeovers Support SMT line setup, qualification, and optimization for NPI runs Enable fast build-to-build transitions to support engineering iteration Yield Improvement & Rapid Root Cause Analysis Drive defect analysis and root cause investigation for SMT-related issues Troubleshoot defects such as tombstoning, bridging, voiding, and misalignment Improve first pass yield (FPY) and reduce rework cycles during prototype builds Apply structured problem-solving methods such as 5-Why and DMAIC Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Participate in DFM/DFA reviews and provide immediate feedback to design teams Evaluate PCB layouts, component footprints, and assembly risks early in development Influence design decisions to improve prototype manufacturability and iteration speed Process Control & Documentation Develop and maintain work instructions, control plans, and NPI build documentation Implement SPC and process control methods appropriate for NPI/prototype environments Support MES systems, traceability, and real-time data collection Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with R D, PCDFM, quality, and operations teams during active NPI builds Partner with suppliers to qualify materials for prototype assembly Provide real-time technical feedback during builds to accelerate design iteration Collaborate closely with Contract Manufacturers during transfers of assemblies into production Continuous Improvement Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to improve turnaround time, yield, and process repeatability Continuously refine NPI SMT processes to support faster learning cycles
Qualifications:
Required Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering or related field 3-7+ years SMT process engineering experience Hands-on experience with SMT equipment (printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI/SPI/AXI) Strong understanding of SMT processes, solder behavior, and defect mechanisms Experience with DOE, SPC, PFMEA, Cp/Cpk and root cause methodologies Ability to interpret PCB drawings, Gerber files, and datasheets Strong troubleshooting and cross-functional communication skills in fast-paced environments Desired Skills Experience in quick-turn prototype or NPI environments Knowledge of
IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, IPC-7351
Six Sigma Green or Black Belt Experience with conformal coating, selective solder, or BGA rework Familiarity with MES/PLM systems (e.g. Oracle MES, Arena, Agile, FactoryLogix) Automation or SMT programming experience Success Metrics / KPIs First Pass Yield (FPY) improvement during prototype builds Turnaround time for SMT prototype assemblies Reduction in SMT defects (DPPM / DPMO) Speed and effectiveness of root cause resolution Quality and readiness of designs after NPI build cycles Additional Information Highly hands-on role focused on supporting rapid NPI builds in a manufacturing and lab environment. Requires flexibility to support urgent prototype builds and fast iteration cycles. The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.
CA pay range:
MIN $114,620 - MAX $191,030
Note:
For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical, dental and vision Health Savings Account Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts Life, Accident, Disability insurance Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health 401(k) Plan Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays Paid Family Leave Discounts, Perks Tuition Reimbursement Adoption Assistance ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) Restricted Stock Units Careers Privacy Statement Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 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 any other protected categories under all applicable laws.
