Equipment Engineer (SMT Program & NPI)

Summary:

The Equipment Engineer (SMT) is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production equipment, including screen printers, Pick & Place machines, and reflow ovens. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities is a specialist who creates, optimizes, and maintains machine programs for placing electronic components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Key Responsibilities:

• NPI & SMT Programming: Translate CAD data, Gerber files, and Bill of Materials (BOM) into precise placement programs for the ASM Siplace platform.
• Component Library Maintenance: Create, verify, and maintain package shape definitions, nozzle assignments, pick offsets, and component dimensions within the ASM package database.
• Line Balancing & Throughput Optimization: Perform line balancing and parameter optimization (feeder layout, gang-picking sequences, placement head speeds) to minimize cycle time and maximize Units Per Hour (UPH).
• OEE & TEEP Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Total Effective Equipment Performance (TEEP) metrics to identify root causes of micro-stoppages, unscheduled downtime, and line bottlenecks.
• NPI Trial Support & Validation: Lead first-article builds and trial runs for new PCBAs, verifying physical placement coordinates and resolving setup, nozzle, or collision errors.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Provide tier-2/3 support to daily production operations, diagnosing complex equipment faults, program bugs, and feeder/nozzle picking errors.
• Yield & Defect Reduction: Partner with Process and Quality teams to analyze inspection data from SPI/AOI to fine-tune placement parameters and eliminate assembly defects.
• Continuous Improvement & Supplier Collaboration: Drive data-backed continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 6S, loss-reduction projects) and collaborate with equipment vendors to implement machine upgrades.
• Global Best-Practice Sharing: Participate in regional and global engineering alignment meetings to standardize process parameters, share best practices, and resolve technical challenges.

Job Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with at least 3 years of hands-on experience as an Equipment Engineer in an EMS manufacturing environment.
• SMT & Equipment Expertise: Deep understanding of SMT processes, with specialized experience in Pick & Place programming for the ASM Siplace platform.
• Industry Standards & Metrics: Solid knowledge of the IPC-A-610 standard, combined with a strong understanding of core manufacturing metrics (OEE, TEEP, and UPH).
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and data analysis abilities, backed by strong logical thinking.
• Software & Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace platforms.
• Soft Skills & Communication: High flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and good English communication capability.