SMT Engineer

A surface mount technology (SMT) engineer generally assists in the production line of surface mount technologies, which involve attaching electronic materials to printed circuit boards. The engineer will review and assess the quality of the finished products.

SMT engineers must be able to operate Surface Mount Technology advanced placement machines. The person in this role must change out feeders and identify components per work instructions. They will troubleshoot and correct problems. An SMT engineer also must be capable to identify different electronic component types, including value and polarity, be able to use a microscope.

What does an SMT Engineer do?

Also known as surface mount technology, this is a part of electronic assembly. The technology helps mount electronic components right on top of printed circuit boards. This is the primary technology the PCB assembly process uses. This technology provides an impressive way to reduce manufacturing costs. Also, it helps use PCB space effectively. The introduction of surface mount technology now makes it possible to manufacture complex electronic circuits into smaller assemblies. This is where an SMT process engineer comes in.

The major assignment of an SMT process engineer is in the production line of surface mount technology. Assisting in the attachment of electronic materials to the printed circuit board is one of the job descriptions. The SMT process engineer also inspects all completed assemblies. The major aim is to detect defects and imperfections. They provide feedback on the design process. The engineer also advises on instances where the quality needs an upgrade.

Operate Machinery

The SMT engineer also inspects tools, machines, software, and every material. These are materials that will ensure the smooth flow of the manufacturing process.
Software/Analytic Skills

A person in this role should be able to use simulation software, design software, and others matters a lot. You may also need to analyze and interpret data into charts, reports, and diagrams.

Quality Control

The SMT engineer has to check quality. This happens visually and through various tests. Outputs from manufacturing should be durable. Furthermore, all products should meet the specified standard.
Critical Reasoning Skills

SMT engineers need to possess the ability to detect problems. You should also be able to proffer solutions to the issue from various angles.

Process Engineer

Process engineers are responsible for providing the chemical or biochemical processes and equipment that ultimately extract materials from their raw states and transform them into a beneficial or saleable end product. They are also responsible for the design, implementation, control, and optimization of the product’s industrial processing phase, and they usher the product along from start to finish.

Electronic Assembler

n electronic assembler works behind the scenes to bring together the pieces of equipment we use every day, such as computers, electronic devices, toys, and engines. An electronic assembler, also known as a fabricator, mounts, connects, assembles, and secures parts and components of electronic equipment.

Salary

SMT engineers earn an average yearly salary of $79,934.

0 - 1 Years

SMT engineers with 0 - 1 years of experience earn on average:

$68,749 per year

7 - 9 Years

SMT engineers with 7 - 9 years of experience earn on average:

$79,600 per year

1 - 3 Years

SMT engineers with 1 - 3 years of experience earn on average:

$75,761 per year

10+ Years

SMT engineers with 10+ years of experience earn on average:

$90,080 per year

4 - 6 Years

SMT engineers with 4 - 6 years of experience earn on average:

$77,430 per year

These are 2021 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.

SMT engineers spend much of their day in an office or laboratory environment. Sometimes they may work in or travel to industrial plants or refineries to monitor operations and solve problems. Due to the involvement of hazardous chemicals, the work can be dangerous, but process engineers should know how to safely handle them. Safety protocols are also regularly enforced.

SMT engineers usually work full time, but they may have extended hours on occasion in order to meet project requirements. Most process engineers work 40-hours weeks during regular business hours.

They typically are involved in the planning, management, coordination, and control of the manufacturing process in the course of their day.

How to Become an SMT Engineer?

With a bachelor’s degree in some fields, you qualify for SMT engineering. Some of those fields are Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Material science.

There might be some companies willing to hire fresh SMT process engineers without experience. However, having experience gives you an edge over others. Bear in mind that experience varies with the companies. Knowledge of any of the following will set you ahead of the rest.

Significance experience with continuous improvement in manufacturing.
Hands-on experience with tools, boards, parts, and other components of PCB assembly
Experience with quality standard and inspection
Ample understanding of engineering bill of material
Ability to interpret engineering drawing.
Understanding of molding materials, SMT, and the process of semiconductor packaging.
The apt understanding of the assembly process and equipment. This includes SMT process tools.

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Sources:

BestCareerGuide.com, 2022 | Canva.com, 2022 | Linkedin.com, 2022 | OurPCB.com, 2022 | Salary.com, 2022

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