SMT Process Engineer (Greenfield Factory)

The role

You will help establish the first PCB assembly manufacturing facility by selecting, installing, and qualifying the first SMT production line. You will own equipment programming, process development, tooling, and operator training to support manufacturing from setup through volume production.

What you will do

• Support equipment selection, technical specifications, and installation coordination.
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests.
• Develop and execute equipment startup, validation, and qualification plans.
• Develop and optimize programs for solder paste printers, SPI, pick-and-place, AOI, AXI, and depanelization equipment.
• Maintain component libraries, machine databases, and standard setup procedures.
• Define, procure, and qualify stencils, PCB support tooling, carrier pallets, vacuum fixtures, and rework fixtures.
• Lead SMT support for prototype, EVT, DVT, PVT, and production builds.
• Create equipment operating procedures, standard work instructions, and process controls.
• Develop training materials and train operators and technicians.
• Provide technical leadership to one SMT Engineering Technician.

Required qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of SMT manufacturing engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting SMT line installation, commissioning, or factory startup.
• Experience with equipment acceptance testing, qualification, and production ramp-up.
• Hands-on experience programming and optimizing SMT equipment.
• Experience supporting PCBA manufacturing from prototype builds through high-volume production.

Nice to have

• Leading technicians or small technical teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision packages with generous premium coverage.
• $500 per month credit for waiving medical benefits.
• Housing subsidy of $2,500 per month for those living within walking distance of the office.
• Relocation support for those moving to San Jose (Santana Row).
• Various wellness benefits covering fitness, mental health, and more.
• Daily lunch and dinner in our office.
• Unlimited compute budget, subject to ROI justification.

About the company

Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence by co-designing chips, racks, software, and manufacturing. They are a fully in-person team in San Jose (Santana Row).