Engineering Technician - Manufacturing

Job DescriptionDescription:\n\n\nPatton is seeking a hands-on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer who will own our SMT cell end-to-end-planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement. This player‑coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.\n\n Key Responsibilities\n\n Daily Line Leadership (Lead Operator)\n\n - Plan and execute daily SMT schedule; organize kitting, feeder setup, first-article builds, and line changeovers.\n\n - Operate and oversee stencil printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and stencil cleaning per manufacturer guidance and Patton procedures.\n\n - Perform first-article inspection, AOI review/verification, and in-process checks to IPC-A-610 standards.\n\n - Train and mentor operators/technicians; enforce ESD, safety, and 5S.\n\n Process & Manufacturing Engineering\n\n - Develop and maintain SMT processes including solder paste selection, print parameters, placement optimization, reflow profiling, and AOI programming.\n\n - Generate and maintain work instructions, setup docs, and process control plans; drive DFM with Design Engineering.\n\n - Specify, program, and improve automated equipment; define preventive maintenance and calibration plans.\n\n - Establish and sustain standards/routings in ERP and ensure BOM/routing alignment.\n\n - Lead root-cause/corrective action for defects and drive yield/cycle-time improvements.\n\n Quality, Compliance & Readiness\n\n - Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620.\n\n - Support NPI transfers, build readiness reviews, and configuration control.\n\n Required Qualifications\n\n - 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation.\n\n - Proficiency with stencil print, placement, reflow profiling, and AOI.\n\n - Strong soldering/inspection skills to IPC-A-610; capable of basic SMT rework.\n\n - Experience with work instructions, routings, and ERP systems.\n\n - Ability to lead operators while performing hands-on work.\n\n Preferred Qualifications\n\n - Bachelor's in Engineering or equivalent experience.\n\n - Hands-on DFM experience, panelization, and capability studies.\n\n - Knowledge of IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620 and ISO 9001.\n\n Attributes\n\n - Player-coach mindset, data-driven, strong ownership, and cross-functional communication skills.\n\n Working Conditions\n\n - On-site manufacturing; standing for extended periods; handling small components; lifting up to 30 lbs.