SMT Process Engineering Senior Manager

A leading electronics manufacturer in Penang is seeking a SMT Process Engineering Senior Manager to join their team and drive excellence across manufacturing operations.

This hybrid role offers the opportunity to own end-to-end process control for PCBA and final assembly, while championing continuous improvement and nurturing a high-performing engineering team. You will be empowered to shape processes, influence new product introductions, and collaborate with cross-functional partners in a supportive environment that values knowledge sharing, flexible working opportunities, and professional growth. If you are passionate about building trust, fostering technical capability, and delivering results through collaborative problem-solving, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

• Take ownership of end-to-end manufacturing processes for PCBA and final assembly, ensuring robust controls and quality standards are maintained throughout production.
• Lead a dedicated team of engineers and technicians, providing coaching, development, and succession planning within an inclusive and supportive workplace.
• Drive Lean initiatives and continuous improvement activities, partnering with R&D and cross-functional teams to deliver cost savings, yield improvements, and successful new product launches.

What you'll do:

As the SMT Process Engineering Senior Manager based in Penang, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve overseeing complex PCBA processes from start to finish—ensuring every step meets rigorous quality standards. You will guide your team through structured problem-solving sessions to resolve yield or quality challenges swiftly. By setting ambitious targets for operational metrics such as first-pass yield or cycle time—and driving Lean initiatives—you will help the organisation achieve its goals for efficiency and cost savings. Your expertise will be crucial during new product introductions; you’ll partner with R&D early on to influence design decisions for manufacturability. Managing engineering changes or product transfers between sites will require your attention to detail and commitment to compliance. As a people leader, you’ll nurture technical talent within your team through coaching, goal-setting and succession planning. Promoting safety-first practices is essential in maintaining a dependable workplace culture. Collaboration is key: you’ll work alongside Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Management and Production teams to support customer audits while reporting progress on process KPIs to site leadership. Success in this role means being proactive in identifying improvement opportunities—always striving for better outcomes through teamwork.

• Own the entire manufacturing process for PCBA including SMT, reflow, wave/selective soldering, press-fit, conformal coating, AOI/X-ray as well as final assembly and test operations.
• Establish comprehensive process controls such as PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, SPC monitoring and process capability targets to ensure consistent quality.
• Lead structured problem-solving efforts using methodologies like 8D and DMAIC to address yield issues, quality concerns and line stoppages effectively.
• Set annual targets for first-pass yield, scrap reduction, cycle time optimisation and cost of poor quality while driving Lean and Continuous Improvement activities.
• Identify capital investment needs in equipment or automation by developing business cases and overseeing qualification processes.
• Collaborate closely with R&D during design phases to provide DFM/DFA feedback that influences manufacturability and supports new product introduction.
• Manage engineering changes (ECO/ECN) as well as product transfers between sites to ensure seamless transitions and compliance.
• Coach, develop and lead a team of process engineers and technicians by setting goals, conducting performance reviews and building technical capability.
• Promote a safety-first culture by ensuring compliance with EHS, ESD and quality system requirements across all operations.
• Work collaboratively with Quality, Supply Chain, Production and Test Engineering teams to meet safety, quality, delivery and cost objectives while supporting audits.

What you bring:

To excel as the SMT Process Engineering Senior Manager you will bring extensive experience from electronics manufacturing environments—demonstrating both technical proficiency in PCBA processes as well as strong interpersonal skills needed for effective team leadership. Your background should include hands-on involvement with SMT assembly techniques plus familiarity with relevant industry standards like IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001. You have successfully led engineering teams before—coaching individuals towards achieving shared goals while building trust across functions. Your analytical approach enables you to use SPC tools or FMEA analysis when tackling yield improvements or cost reductions through structured problem-solving methods such as 8D or DMAIC. Experience managing equipment maintenance programmes ensures reliability across production lines. Introducing new products into volume production has been part of your remit—requiring careful management of engineering changes along the way. Communication skills are vital: you can present complex information clearly at all levels including senior leadership forums. Preferred qualifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certifications or Lean credentials further set you apart—especially if you’ve worked in high-mix low-to-mid volume settings involving test/measurement/industrial electronics. Familiarity with OEE/TPM concepts plus exposure to factory automation/MES/smart-factory data systems adds value. Experience collaborating globally on product transfers rounds out your profile.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering—or equivalent qualification is required for this position.
• At least 12 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering within electronics production environments is essential.
• Minimum 5 years’ proven track record leading engineering teams with responsibility for coaching and development.
• Hands-on expertise in PCBA processes including SMT assembly techniques, soldering methods (wave/selective), inspection systems (AOI/X-ray) is necessary.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards ensures compliance with industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to improve yield or reduce costs using SPC tools, FMEA analysis and structured problem-solving approaches such as 8D or DMAIC.
• Experience managing equipment maintenance programmes including preventive maintenance activities is highly valued.
• Proven success introducing new products into volume production environments while managing engineering changes efficiently.
• Strong communication skills in English are required for presenting findings or recommendations to senior leadership teams.
• Preferred: Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification; Lean certification; experience in high-mix low-to-mid volume manufacturing; familiarity with OEE/TPM; exposure to factory automation/MES/smart-factory data systems; experience collaborating with global R&D teams.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where collaboration thrives across departments—from engineering through supply chain management. Employees benefit from flexible working opportunities that support work-life balance alongside generous pension contributions designed for long-term financial security. Training opportunities abound—enabling staff at all levels to expand their knowledge base while advancing their careers within a supportive leadership framework that prioritises personal growth. The company’s dedication to continuous improvement means every voice matters: ideas are welcomed regardless of background or experience level so everyone feels connected to the mission of delivering world-class products safely and efficiently. With a focus on nurturing technical talent through coaching plus succession planning initiatives—the organisation ensures its workforce remains knowledgeable yet adaptable amid changing industry demands. Safety-first practices underpin daily operations creating a dependable environment where employees feel valued not just for their output but also their wellbeing.

What's next:

If you’re ready to take your career forward by joining an organisation that values collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional growth—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided or email me at TengHong.Khoo@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity!

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C