Process Engineering Technician

Description:

The Surface Mount and PTH Process Technician is responsible for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) placement and PTH assembly and soldering operations to build PCBAs. This role ensures the efficient production of high-quality electronic assemblies in accordance with engineering specifications and quality standards using high precision assembly equipment and processes.

Key Responsibilities

SMT and PTH (Selective Soldering) Machine Operation:

• Assist the Engineering and production teams in setting up and operating automated SMT and Selective soldering equipment. These include screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, selective soldering and associated production equipment.
• Assist in the loading and replenishment of component reels and trays.
• Assist with and carry out routine changeovers across different products.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

· Create printer, oven and soldering profiles for new products.

· Program printer, ensuring correct tooling, print pressure and speeds are selected.

· Using the machines NPI software prepare the placement machine for the first off build.

· Setup FAI (First Article Inspection) for the quality team.

· Working with inspection and production to correct issues found during manufacturer.

· Closely monitor the build through the SMT and Selective Soldering lines making any required adjustments to maintain a high-quality process and product.

· Update the manufacturing pack with any changes that have been made to the process.

· Update NPI Build Report detailing any issues that were found during the build.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Perform regular preventative maintenance on SMT and Selective Soldering equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Diagnose and resolve common equipment faults and process issues promptly minimising downtime. Examples being poor print, misalignments, tombstoning, bridging, insufficient solder, barrel fill etc...
• De-bug of AOI programmes to reduce false fails and improve product flow.
• Review and monitor machine efficiencies making relevant changes to build sequence to improve build efficiency and line output speed.
• Work with engineering, maintenance staff or contractors on complex repairs.

Quality Control:

• Work closely with the quality team ensuring any defect found at automated optical inspection (AOI) inspection are investigated and resolved.
• Operate and interpret results from AOI systems.
• Use SPC data to help identify quality issues and implement corrective actions to improve quality and first-time pass.
• Adhere to quality standards (e.g., IPC-A-610) and maintain accurate production and quality documentation.

Material Handling and CoSHH:

• Properly manage and handle and store moisture-sensitive (MSD), Electrostatic-Sensitive Device (ESD) devices and other electronic components according to manufacturer and industry standards.
• Be aware of and work in compliance with CoSHH requirements for chemical materials.
• Continually monitor attrition and scrap rates on the lines and adjust machine settings where required to reduce.

Essential Technical Skills & Qualifications

Experience: Minimum 2-3 years’ experience operating and maintaining SMT pick-and-place and/or PTH Selective Soldering equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.