SMT Manager

Brandywine Communications•Santa Ana, CA

2d•$95,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The SMT Manager is responsible for leading and managing day-to-day Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production operations, including oversight of personnel, processes, and equipment to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing of electronic assemblies. This role serves as a front-line leader with primary responsibility for supervising SMT personnel, managing production performance, and ensuring operational goals are met. The SMT Manager works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support production objectives, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience supervising or leading teams in a manufacturing environment.
Strong technical knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
Ability to troubleshoot complex SMT equipment and process issues.
Ability to read and interpret work instructions, travelers, and technical documentation.
Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

8+ years of SMT manufacturing experience, including prior leadership or or supervisory responsibilities.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certifications preferred.
Experience with Yamaha SMT equipment.
Familiarity with IPC standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721).
Experience supporting NPI and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily SMT production operations, including scheduling, staffing, and workflow coordination.
Ensure production schedules, output targets, and quality requirements are consistently met.
Provide direction and oversight for machine setup, programming, operation, and troubleshooting of SMT equipment (Yamaha pick-and-place machines, stencil printers, reflow ovens, AOI).
Monitor production performance, identify issues, and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and scrap.
Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities with Engineering and Maintenance teams.
Supervise, lead, and develop a team of SMT Technicians, including assigning work, setting priorities, and managing performance.
Ensure adequate staffing coverage and adjust resources based on production needs.
Provide coaching, training, and ongoing development for team members.
Participate in hiring decisions, performance management, and disciplinary actions in partnership with Human Resources.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with all safety, ESD, quality, and regulatory requirements, including IPC standards and customer specifications.
Support audits, inspections, and customer visits as required.
Lead or participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive initiatives.
Review production metrics, yields, and defect data; implement corrective and preventive actions.
Partner with Engineering and Quality on new board introductions and first article builds.
Communicate production status, risks, and constraints to Manufacturing leadership.
Support companywide initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.