Quality Assurance Engineer (SMT/MI)

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer for SMT/MI is responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards are met throughout the Surface Mount Technology (SMT) & Manual Insertion (MI) assembly process in an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) environment. This role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining quality control procedures,

conducting inspections, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of defects and drive continuous improvement in SMT/MI production.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Quality System Development & Implementation:

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control plans, procedures,

and work instructions specifically for SMT/MI processes (e.g., solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, AOI, SPI).

• Ensure adherence to industry standards (e.g., IPC-A-610, IPC- 7711/7721), customer specifications, and internal quality policies.
• Establish and monitor key quality metrics (e.g., First Pass Yield, Defect Per Million Opportunities - DPMO, Cost of Poor Quality related to SMT/MI).

1. Process Monitoring & Control:

• Conduct regular audits and inspections of SMT/MI production lines, processes, and equipment to ensure compliance with quality standards and procedures.
• Monitor and analyze SMT/MI process parameters (e.g., reflow profiles, paste volume, placement accuracy)to ensure optimalquality output.
• Utilize and interpretdata from AutomatedOptical Inspection (AOI),

Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), and X-rayinspection systems to identify trends and potential issues.

• Implement statistical process control (SPC)techniques for criticalSMT parameters.

1. Defect Analysis & Root Cause Investigation:

• Lead or participate in the investigation of SMT/MI-related defects,failures, and customer returns.

• Conduct root cause analysisusing methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, 8D reports, etc.
• Work closely with SMT/MI Production, Process Engineering, and Design teams to implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Verify the effectiveness of implemented CAPAs& ECN's.

1. Inspection & Testing:

• Oversee and optimize in-process and final inspection criteria for SMT/MI assemblies.
• Develop and maintain inspection checklists and visualaids for SMT/MI operators and inspectors.
• Train production personnel on qualitystandards, inspection techniques, and defect identification.

1. Supplier Quality (SMT-related):

• Collaborate with the supplierquality team to assess and ensure the quality of incoming SMT/MI components and materials.
• Address and resolvequality issues relatedto components used in SMT/MI.

1. Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive quality records, including inspection reports, audit findings, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and CAPA

documentation.

• Prepare and present quality reports to management, highlighting SMT/MI performance, trends, and improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the creation and revision of manufacturing work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) from a quality perspective.

1. Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement activities on the SMT/MI line to enhance yield, reduce scrap, and improve overall product quality.
• Participate in New Product Introduction (NPI) phases to ensure Design for Quality and Design for Manufacturability principles are

incorporated into SMT/MI processes.

• Stay updated with the latest SMT/MI technologies, quality trends,and industry best practices.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical

Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of IPC-A-610 standards (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) is mandatory; IPC certification (e.g.,IPC-A-610 CIS or CSE) is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of SMT/MI defects, their causes, and corrective actions.
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies (e.g., SPC, FMEA, 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Control Plans).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Experience with quality management systems (e.g.,ISO 9001).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for presentations).