SME - SMT NPI/DFM

Responsibilities

• Own SMT NPI and DFM activities including Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 data review, manufacturability assessment, and process readiness evaluation.
• Define PCB panelization strategies, stencil designs, land-pattern compliance, and assembly process windows to ensure manufacturing robustness and yield performance.
• Review RFQs, drawings, BOMs, specifications, and customer design packages to identify manufacturability risks, gaps, and clarification requirements.
• Develop manufacturing estimates covering cycle times, resource loading, tooling, fixtures, NRE, capex requirements, and implementation timelines.
• Establish MSL handling, storage, baking, and assembly requirements in accordance with J-STD-020 and J-STD-033 standards.
• Define process assumptions, risks, dependencies, acceptance criteria, and validation plans supporting bid submissions and NPI execution.
• Lead DFM reviews with customers and internal stakeholders, driving design optimization for cost, quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Support supplier evaluations, process feasibility assessments, and make-versus-buy decisions for tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions.
• Provide technical evidence, calculations, and recommendations for proposal reviews, customer clarifications, and management approval gates.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across design, process engineering, operations, quality, test, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure execution readiness.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, ECE, Mechatronics, Industrial, Production Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate specialization in Manufacturing, Electronics, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Strong expertise in SMT NPI, DFM, PCB assembly processes, and electronics manufacturing standards.
• Deep knowledge of Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IPC-7351, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, J-STD-020, and J-STD-033 standards.
• Proficiency in CAM tools, PCB data viewers, stencil design tools, equipment programming software, and advanced Excel modeling.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, process capability analysis, yield improvement, OEE, ESD controls, and manufacturing quality systems.
• Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and MES platforms supporting BOM management, routing, work instructions, and traceability.

Desired Experience Level

• 12-18 years of experience in SMT NPI, DFM, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, New Product Introduction, or Manufacturing Industrialization within EMS or complex electronics manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience supporting customer RFQs, technical proposals, and design-to-manufacturing transitions for high-volume electronics products.
• Demonstrated expertise in PCB manufacturability assessments, panelization, stencil design, process validation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Experience leading customer DFM reviews and providing technical recommendations that improve manufacturability, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Strong capability in defining manufacturing process windows, yield assumptions, capacity requirements, and execution strategies for new programs.
• Experience working with global customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams across multiple time zones, with strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.