SMT Process Engineer – New Product Introduction (NPI)

Keysight Technologies, Inc.•Santa Rosa, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to improve turnaround time, yield, and process repeatability
Continuously refine NPI SMT processes to support faster learning cycles