Process Engineer

Role overview

Tata Electronics is looking for a Process Engineer in Kolar, Karnataka. This full-time onsite role focuses on SMT/PnP process setup, machine programming, new product readiness, quality improvement, and production efficiency in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Technology and process setup

• Set up, operate, program, and fine-tune PnP machines while maintaining process windows, control plans, and CTQs across products.
• Carry out feeder loading, nozzle selection, calibration, and coordinate transformation, including penalization activities.
• Improve component placement accuracy, machine speed, cycle time, and overall placement efficiency.
• Build and update machine programs using online and offline software.
• Verify BOM, centroid files, and Gerber data before production starts.
• Run DOE and validate processes for new materials and new products.

New model readiness

• Create and maintain process documents, work instructions, and SOPs for Pick and Place / Mounter operations.
• Support EVT, DVT, and PVT trial builds and other new model readiness activities.
• Load, confirm, and validate machine programs for new product trials.
• Complete First Article Inspection and support a smooth handover from development to production.
• Work with NPI and TDG teams to ensure DFMEA and PFMEA coverage for Pick and Place / Mounter processes.
• Own ramp-up performance measures such as yield learning curve, cycle time, and scrap reduction.
• Ensure solder paste reflow matches component and PCB design requirements.

Quality excellence

• Take ownership of first pass yield, final yield, and field reliability.
• Investigate yield losses using SPI data, SPC charts, yield trends, FMEA, DOE, and failure analysis methods.
• Track production yield, defect levels, and cycle time, then implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work with Quality, NPI, and customers to resolve issues such as tombstoning, voiding, bridging, cold joints, misalignment, missing parts, and solder balls.
• Support audits, customer complaints, and escalation handling with the Quality team.
• Maintain process records and production reports.

Operational excellence and cost optimization

• Drive cost of ownership reduction and productivity improvement programs.
• Lead cycle time reduction, line balancing, and continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen, Poka-yoke, and Lean Manufacturing.
• Ensure proper line setup, program management, and version control for Pick and Place / Mounter equipment.
• Maintain compliance with ESD, safety, and IPC standards.
• Meet daily output targets and OEE goals while reducing downtime and improving machine utilization.
• Coordinate closely with production planning, quality, and maintenance teams to resolve alarms, feeder issues, vision alignment faults, and nozzle-related problems.

Customer and stakeholder engagement

• Act as a technical representative for PCBA process topics during customer interactions.
• Participate in customer reviews, technology discussions, and risk mitigation planning.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline is preferred, with electronics engineering being the most relevant background. The role calls for 10 to 12 years of hands-on experience in the SMT industry in a similar position, especially in PnP programming and optimization.

Desired background

• Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing setup.
• Practical exposure to PnP platforms such as ASMPT, Fuji, or Panasonic.
• Strong understanding of solder paste behavior and thermal profiling.
• Comfort with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, and DOE.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing practices.
• Good understanding of the SMT process flow.