Head of SMT
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
Air Q Limited seeks an experienced Head of SMT to lead Surface Mount Technology manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective production of electronic assemblies while driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all SMT production activities, including planning, scheduling, setup, assembly, inspection, testing, and rework processes.
- Ensure achievement of production targets, quality objectives, and on time delivery requirements.
- Manage production capacity, workforce allocation, and equipment utilization.
- Develop and maintain SMT manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process controls.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and cost optimization.
- Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including OEE, FPY, throughput, defect rates, and downtime.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
- Oversee SMT equipment maintenance, reliability, and performance.
- Support prototype builds and lead transition of new products into serial production.
- Build, lead, and develop a high performing SMT team.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading SMT manufacturing operations
- Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes (stencil printing, SPI, pick and place, reflow soldering, AOI, X ray, rework)
- Strong understanding of IPC standards (IPC A 610, J STD 001)
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies
- Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and production planning processes
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- Air Q Limited is seeking an experienced and results driven Head of SMT to lead and oversee all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations.
- This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high quality, efficient, and cost effective production of electronic assemblies while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team performance.
- The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling SMT manufacturing capabilities, supporting new product introductions, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all SMT production activities, including planning, scheduling, setup, assembly, inspection, testing, and rework processes.
- Ensure achievement of production targets, quality objectives, and on time delivery requirements.
- Manage production capacity, workforce allocation, and equipment utilization.
- Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
- Develop and maintain SMT manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process controls.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and cost optimization.
- Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including OEE, FPY, throughput, defect rates, and downtime.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
- Ensure compliance with IPC standards, ESD requirements, safety regulations, and quality management systems.
- Oversee SMT equipment maintenance, reliability, and performance.
- Support prototype builds and product development activities.
- Lead the transition of new products into serial production.
Leadership & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high performing SMT team.
- Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations.
- Mentor engineers, supervisors, technicians, and operators.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Support employee development and technical capability enhancement initiatives.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Production teams.
- Support material readiness, production planning, and manufacturing execution.
- Participate in operational reviews and strategic improvement initiatives.
- Provide regular manufacturing and operational performance reports to management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading SMT manufacturing operations.
- Proven experience establishing, scaling, or optimizing SMT production environments.
- Experience supporting both prototype and serial production environments is highly preferred.
- Strong leadership, project management, and problem solving capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes including stencil printing, SPI, pick and place, reflow soldering, AOI, X ray inspection, and rework.
- Strong understanding of IPC standards (IPC A 610, J STD 001, etc.).
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and production planning processes.
- Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data driven decisions.
Core Competencies
- Leadership
- Integrity & Professionalism
- Strategic Thinking
- Decision Making
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Relationship Building
- Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Results Orientation
Why Join Air Q?
- Opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing function within a rapidly growing aerospace and UAV technology company.
- Work with advanced electronics manufacturing technologies and cutting edge UAV systems.
- Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, operational excellence, and industry leading solutions.
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