Electronics Process Engineer (SMT)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Electronics Process Engineer to own and optimise the SMT production line for a leading engineering client in Killingworth. You will be responsible for the full SMT workflow, from solder paste printing to final inspection, ensuring high quality and efficient output.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the SMT process including solder paste printing, SPI, pick‑and‑place, reflow soldering and AOI across one or more lines.
• Develop, validate and optimise reflow profiles for various solder pastes and board thermal masses.
• Design stencils, calculate aperture and area ratios to guarantee reliable paste transfer.
• Program, tune and maintain Pick & Place, SPI and AOI equipment, balancing defect capture with false‑call rates.
• Lead root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for defects, applying lean and structured problem‑solving methods.
• Maintain process documentation, work instructions and control plans to IPC and internal standards.
• Support NPI activities: review designs for manufacturability, provide feedback, and lead first‑article builds.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration and equipment upgrades with the maintenance team.

Required profile

• Proven experience in an SMT/PCB manufacturing environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of the complete SMT process and reflow profiling.
• Familiarity with SPI and AOI systems and data interpretation.
• Working knowledge of IPC standards, especially IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001.
• Ability to perform root‑cause analysis, lean improvements and technical support to production.

Required skills

• SMT process engineering
• Solder paste printing & inspection (SPI)
• Pick‑and‑place programming and tuning
• Reflow profile development and optimisation
• AOI system operation and data analysis
• Stencil design and aperture ratio calculation
• IPC‑A‑610 and J‑STD‑001 standards
• Lean problem‑solving methods

What we offer

• Immediate start with a streamlined recruitment process
• Competitive pension and benefits package
• Ongoing training and clear development opportunities
• Free on‑site parking and dayshift schedule