What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Engineer position at Dakota Digital?
Job Title: Production Engineer
Position Summary: The Production Engineer is a hands-on technical professional within the Engineering Department, responsible for supporting the successful release and ongoing production of new and existing products. This role is primarily focused on the operation, optimization, and maintenance of surface mount technology (SMT) processes, while also ensuring that automated optical inspection (AOI) systems and quality standards are consistently upheld. The Production Engineer serves as a key link between product design and manufacturing, driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and overall product quality.
Key Responsibilities: • Collaborate with Process Engineers to support the introduction of new products into production. • Oversee the operation, programming, and preventive maintenance of SMT equipment. • Troubleshoot and resolve process and equipment issues to minimize downtime. • Ensure SMT equipment is properly calibrated and operating at peak performance. • Manage AOI inspection processes to ensure compliance with product quality standards. • Provide hands-on technical support to the production floor, assisting operators and technicians with equipment setup, optimization, and process improvements. • Partner with Engineering to refine product designs for manufacturability and improved production yield. • Develop and maintain process documentation, including preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshooting guides, and work instructions. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing quality, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. • Train and mentor production staff on equipment operation, process requirements, and best practices.
Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Electrical Engineering) preferred. • Strong knowledge of SMT assembly processes, soldering practices, and quality control standards. • Prior experience with SMT machinery preferred. • Familiarity with PCB design software is an advantage. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with CAD systems preferred. • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and quality teams.
