SMT(PCBA) DFM Engineer

Apple

3d

About The Position

The SMT(PCBA) DFM Engineer leads the development of manufacturing processes and stations, including SMA and HotBar, and works to ensure high quality while solving complex manufacturing problems. The role manages contract manufacturers (CMs) in support of product development builds and high-volume mass production.

The engineer collaborates closely with the Cupertino Engineering team to validate product designs for manufacturability and recommend changes that improve yield, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The role supports builds through Proto, EVT, DVT, and PVT stages and into mass-production ramps; establishes manufacturing processes and quality-control procedures for PCBA, SIP, and module manufacturing at CM sites; and leads cross-functional efforts to transition projects into mass production or between sites. The engineer also serves as primary project leader for a variety of complex manufacturing and engineering projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related technical field, paired with relevant industry experience.
• Experience in Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) or a related field such as packaging assembly.
• General understanding of PCB fabrication, component packaging (including general IC, SIP, and discrete passive components), substrate materials, and surface finishes such as OSP and ENIG, including their impacts on solderability and reliability.
• Familiarity with process failure analysis, including its equipment, tools, and methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach across functional groups.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to lead complex initiatives.
• Strong quality mindset and experience with factory quality-control systems such as IQC, IPQC, SQE, and QA/QE.
• Proficiency with software and CAD tools for DFM analysis, such as Siemens/Mentor Graphics Valor NPI.
• Proactive, can-do attitude and ability to perform under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or above in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Additional technical expertise or a PhD in automation, data science, or mechanical design.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Cupertino Engineering team to validate product designs for manufacturability and recommend changes to improve quality, yield, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop innovative manufacturing processes and stations, including SMA and HotBar.
• Provide guidance and resources to contract manufacturer engineers.
• Support product builds through Proto, EVT, DVT, and PVT, and into mass-production ramps.
• Plan, develop, and implement procedures for PCBA, SIP, and module manufacturing processes and quality control at contract manufacturer sites.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define requirements and establish performance metrics for new processes.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to transition projects from engineering to mass production and support site-to-site transfers.
• Lead complex manufacturing and engineering projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level