Principal SMT Process Engineer

RTX•McKinney, TX

2d•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Products Center (APC) Manufacturing Engineering organization is seeking a Principal SMT Process Engineer to join the CCA Process Engineering team in McKinney, Texas. This hands-on role operates in a fast-paced, collaborative cleanroom environment, supporting RF microelectronic packaging and surface mount technology (SMT) within our state-of-the-art Microwave Automated Factory (an ISO Class 8 cleanroom environment). As subject matter experts, our team plays a critical role in factory success by installing and qualifying new equipment, improving existing processes, and driving process improvement projects. You will work closely with product engineers, quality engineers, reliability engineers, tooling engineers, industrial engineers, and operations leaders to develop and implement cutting-edge materials, processes, and automation, while also supporting mature production processes. Responsibilities include evaluating materials, equipment, and processes through statistical process control, experimental design, material analysis, mechanical design analysis, and root cause analysis. This role involves qualifying equipment, conducting acceptance testing, and developing specifications, as well as collaborating with internal and external suppliers to resolve technical challenges. Every day brings new opportunities to solve unique problems, making this a dynamic and impactful position. We are specifically seeking candidates who are hands-on, enjoy diving deep into technical requirements, proactive, accountable, good communicators, adaptable in a fast-paced environment, experienced in automated manufacturing, and ready to solve unique problems daily. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on innovative technologies and production processes.

Requirements

Typically Requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience
5+ years of experience in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Manufacturing/Process Engineering
Experience with high reliability manufacturing environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive).

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt Certification
Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), statistical data analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) experience
Experience identifying key process parameters, implementing process control and strong problem-solving skills using a data-driven approach to identify and resolve issues
Proficiency in technical writing for operator instructions, process and material qualification reports, and equipment vendor statements of work
Proven ability to lead projects, direct activities, and drive results

Responsibilities

Provide on-site support for high-volume, high-mix production, addressing factory equipment, processes, materials, and product challenges to ensure efficient operations
Work hand-in-hand with product engineers, quality engineers, reliability engineers, and manufacturing engineers on product manufacturing
Develop and implement materials, processes, process improvements, and production support using established statistical process control techniques, experimental designs, material analysis, mechanical design analysis, and root cause analysis
Evaluate materials, equipment and processes (including qualification, acceptance testing, and specification development) and interface with key internal and external suppliers to resolve technical issues
Lead development, optimization and control of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes including paste deposition, paste and epoxy dispensing, pick-and-place, reflow and inspection (SPI, AOI and Xray)
Drive yield improvements initiatives using data analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE) and root cause methodologies
Collaborate with Design and Product Engineers to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and ensure robust product designs
Support new product builds, often using automated equipment, and develop innovative solutions for next-generation product designs
Drive process improvement projects to enhance factory productivity by integrating new technologies, qualifying new materials, and optimizing workflows
Evaluate materials, equipment and processes (including qualification, acceptance testing, and specification development) and interface with key internal and external suppliers to resolve technical issues
Evaluate, select, and integrate capital equipment to meet both current production demands and future business needs
Communicate technical information effectively across cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of initiatives
Mentoring and coaching junior engineers and Technicians; act as a subject matter expert (SME)
Spend up to 6+ hours per day in a cleanroom environment, adhering to cleanroom protocols and electrostatic discharge (ESD) procedures
Work primarily during the day shift (start time between 6 AM and 9 AM) with the potential for a 9/80 schedule (9 days over 2 weeks)