What are the responsibilities and job description for the SMT Manager position at Electronic Design & Manufacturing?
Are you an experienced SMT professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career?
EDM is looking for a hands-on, technically driven SMT Manager to lead and strengthen our Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) operations. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the technology, developing people, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and making a meaningful impact on production performance.
As a 100% employee-owned electronics manufacturer, EDM is in an exciting stage of growth, and we're looking for a leader who wants to be part of shaping what comes next. The SMT Manager will have the opportunity to influence how our SMT operations evolve, improve processes, strengthen technical capabilities, and build a high-performing team.
This role combines technical expertise, hands-on problem-solving, and people leadership. You'll guide daily production, support SMT programming and equipment performance, drive continuous improvement, and work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning to ensure our operations deliver the quality and reliability our customers expect.
We're looking for someone who doesn't just want to manage production but wants to make it better. Someone who takes ownership, develops others, and is motivated by the opportunity to help build a stronger operation and a stronger team.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead and Develop the Team
- Provide leadership to the SMT and AOI teams, creating a positive, accountable, and solutions-focused environment.
- Coach, mentor, and develop employee-owners, strengthening technical skills, performance, and teamwork.
- Coordinate daily production priorities, work assignments, line changeovers, and setup activities to keep operations running effectively.
- Lead regular team discussions focused on performance, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure employee training is completed, documented, and aligned with operational needs.
Drive Operational Performance
- Monitor production metrics, quality results, and equipment performance to identify opportunities and drive results.
- Troubleshoot production challenges, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
- Identify and lead improvements in SMT processes, programming, setups, and overall production efficiency.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production Planning to improve manufacturing processes and support customer requirements.
- Help strengthen the systems, processes, and capabilities needed to support EDM's continued growth.
Strengthen SMT Technical Capabilities
- Provide technical leadership and oversight of SMT processes, equipment, and machine programming.
- Ensure SMT programs are properly developed, reviewed, validated, controlled, and maintained for production.
- Oversee the accuracy, availability, and control of technical data required for SMT manufacturing.
- Establish and maintain effective processes for program revisions, technical-data changes, backups, and production releases.
- Work with qualified team members to delegate technical responsibilities while ensuring clear ownership and accountability.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges that impact quality, efficiency, or delivery.
Key Requirements
- SMT Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of surface mount technology, SMT equipment, manufacturing processes, programming, and troubleshooting.
- Electronics Manufacturing Experience: At least 3 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably with direct SMT production or process engineering experience.
- Leadership Ability: Experience leading, coaching, or mentoring others, with the ability to build trust, accountability, and a positive team environment.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, including the ability to resolve immediate production challenges and address underlying root causes.
- Continuous Improvement Focus: A desire to challenge existing processes, identify opportunities, and implement practical improvements.
- Communication and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across production, engineering, quality, and planning functions.
- Organization and Ownership: Ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions, and follow through on commitments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, electronics technology, manufacturing, or a related field.
- Experience with SMT machine programming, process optimization, and equipment setup.
- Experience leading SMT production teams or serving as a technical lead or SMT process engineer.
- Familiarity with PCB assembly, AOI processes, and electronics manufacturing quality standards.
- Experience implementing process improvements, reducing defects, and improving production efficiency.
Why EDM?
At EDM, you'll have the opportunity to do more than oversee a production department. You'll play an important role in developing our people, strengthening our technical capabilities, and helping guide the future of our manufacturing operations.
As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe the people contributing to our success should also share in it. Our employee-owners take pride in the work we do, the challenges we solve, and the relationships we build with our customers.
Benefits:
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person