SMT / PCBA Assembly Technologist

We are looking for an experienced SMT / PCBA Assembly Technologist to support the manufacturing and assembly of complex electronic boards through external assembly contractors.

This role is intended for a candidate with strong hands-on knowledge of PCBA assembly processes, SMT manufacturing, soldering quality, process controls, inspection methods, and production documentation. The company does not operate an internal SMT line so the technologist will act as the technical authority and interface between engineering, quality, supply chain, and the external PCBA assembly contractor.

The position requires practical manufacturing experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify assembly risks before and during production.

Main Responsibilities

Contractor Manufacturing Support

• Serve as the company’s technical focal point for PCBA assembly at external manufacturing contractors.
• Review and approve contractor assembly processes, work instructions, tooling, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Support NPI builds, prototype assemblies, engineering builds, and production runs.
• Be present at contractor sites during critical builds, process setup, first articles, and issue resolution.

SMT / PCBA Process Engineering

• Provide technical support for SMT, through-hole, selective soldering, hand soldering, rework, cleaning, coating, and mechanical assembly processes.
• Review PCB and assembly design for manufacturability, including solderability, component placement, spacing, thermal relief, stencil design, and rework accessibility.
• Identify assembly risks related to fine-pitch parts, BGAs, LGAs, QFNs, large thermal pads, high-mass components, connectors, and sensitive components.
• Support stencil design review, solder paste selection, reflow profile review, and process parameter validation.
• Evaluate assembly defects and drive corrective actions with the contractor.

Documentation and Technical Reviews

• Review and release manufacturing documentation packages, including: Assembly drawings, BOMs, Work instructions, Inspection criteria, Special process requirements.
• Support ECO implementation at the contractor.
• Define assembly-related notes and requirements for drawings and manufacturing packages.

Required Experience

• Proven experience in SMT / PCBA assembly manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of the full PCBA assembly flow, from bare PCB and kit preparation through SMT, reflow, inspection, cleaning, coating, rework, and final acceptance.
• Good understanding of IPC workmanship and assembly standards.
• Ability to read and review PCB fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing files.
• Practical experience with common SMT defects, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Experience supporting NPI builds and transferring products from engineering to production.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with contractors, engineers, buyers, and quality teams.