SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead - Japanese Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

A Japanese manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois is looking for a SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead.

The Technical Center Lead is responsible for leading and managing technical center activities, including customer demonstrations, proof-of-concept builds, advanced applications, and troubleshooting of complex SMT equipment and production-line issues. The role provides hands-on process engineering and technical leadership to support customer requirements and the successful application of SMT technologies.

The position requires strong software aptitude and the ability to work effectively with advanced manufacturing technologies and digital tools. The Technical Center Lead evaluates and applies emerging technologies and capabilities to practical customer and production environments, supporting continuous improvement and the advancement of SMT processes and applications.

• Oversee the daily operations of the Technical Center, including scheduling, priorities, safety, appearance, and customer readiness.
• Plan and lead customer demonstrations, technical evaluations, product trials, training activities, and proof-of-concept builds from preparation through final presentation and follow-up.
• Work with customers and internal teams to define application requirements, demonstration objectives, process conditions, and measurable success criteria.
• Configure, program, operate, and optimize placement equipment and support SMT line systems.
• Perform high-level troubleshooting of machine, software, mechanical, electrical, material-handling, programming, and process-related issues.
• Maintain Technical Center equipment, feeders, tooling, software, spare parts, boards, materials, and consumables in an organized and fully operational condition.
• Demonstrate smart factory and connected-line capabilities, including Industry 4.0 concepts, MES connectivity, production data, automation, and applicable line communication standards.
• Prepare demonstration reports, technical summaries, process recommendations, training materials, and customer-facing technical documentation.
• Support major trade show activities
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or equivalent directly relevant industry experience.
• Extensive experience in SMT process engineering, or a closely related technical field; at least 10 yrs.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead customer demonstrations, and technical evaluations
• Advanced troubleshooting capabilities across mechanical, electrical, software, programming,
material-handling, and process-related issues.
• Knowledge of smart factory systems
• Ability to analyze production and machine performance, identify root causes, and develop practical corrective actions.
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestic/international

Employment Status | Full Time
Position | SMT Process Engineer/Technical Center Lead
Language | English
Working Hours | Monday-Friday 5 days work 8am-5pm 8 hours a day
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are off.
Break time: 1 hour
Salary | – $125,000（DOE）
Benefit | Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision insurance): 100% coverage for the individual and 50% coverage for dependents
Life insurance
401K
Paid vacation 10 days per year
Weekends and holidays off
Promotional programs available
Bonuses available