Senior Production Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Production Engineer with extensive experience in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole (TH) assembly to join our manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and optimising all aspects of electronic assembly processes, ensuring high-quality, repeatable production. They will work closely with the Quality Manager, Operations Manager and Managing Director to develop and document new processes, improve efficiency, uphold quality standards, and train production operatives in best practices.

Person Overview

The person required for this role must have good hands-on experience in all aspects of electronic assembly. However, a major focus of the role relates to process development, management and quality management. They must therefore have excellent knowledge and experience of working to specific industry standards (for example IPC-A-610) but also of wider manufacturing quality management standards and processes (ISO-9001, L6S etc.). They must be able to manage a team to be greater than the sum of its parts, taking people with them and developing their abilities as part of continuous improvement.

The company is in an exciting stage of growth and the required person must be adaptable enough and secure enough to accept this challenge. This would not suit someone who is too rigid in their thinking or wants everyone to wait whilst they decide on the perfect way to accomplish something.

Key Responsibilities

• SMT & TH Process Ownership
• • Ensure set up, operation, and optimisation of pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, wave solder, and selective soldering equipment is carried out to high standard up to and including IPC-A-610 Class 3.
  • Ensure set up, operation, and optimisation of coating and conformal coating systems, ensuring consistent finish quality and adherence to customer specifications and IPC-A-610 Class 3.
  • Where issues occur, lead troubleshooting of setup, equipment and process issues to minimise downtime and defects.
• Process Development & Standardisation
• • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all production equipment and specific processes. Where necessary, tailor specific SOPs for specific products.
  • Continuously refine manufacturing processes to improve throughput, yield, and quality.
  • Conduct process capability studies and implement corrective actions where needed.
• Training & Support
• • Deliver hands-on training to production staff in machine operation, inspection standards, and process discipline.
  • Create and maintain visual work instructions and training materials.
  • Support a culture of continuous improvement and accountability on the production floor.
• Quality & Efficiency Improvement
• • Collaborate with the Manufacturing Team to ensure production meets internal and external quality standards (e.g., IPC).
  • Work with Quality Manager to analyse defects, identify root causes, and lead corrective/preventive actions. Support with appropriate documentation and/or feedback to ensure ISO-9001 compliance.
  • Contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives and equipment layout optimisation.
• Collaboration & Communication
• • Liaise with design, procurement, and management teams to ensure manufacturability of new products.
  • Work directly with the Managing Director and Operations Manager on improving productivity, scaling production capacity and introducing new technologies.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in SMT and through-hole electronics manufacturing.
• Proven expertise with:
• • Pick-and-place machines (Samsung / Hanwha a major advantage.)
  • Wave soldering and selective soldering systems
  • Conformal coating equipment and process control
• Strong understanding of IPC standards and ESD handling requirements.
• Ability to write and maintain clear process documentation.
• Confident in training and supervising production operatives.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills.
• Proficient with data-driven process analysis and continuous improvement methods.

Desirable

• Experience with AOI, X-ray, or test systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Six Sigma principles.
• Background in small to medium-batch electronic production environments.

Reports To

• Operations Manager, with direct collaboration with the Managing Director.