Head of SMT

Air Q Limited is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of SMT to lead and oversee all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective production of electronic assemblies while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team performance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling SMT manufacturing capabilities, supporting new product introductions, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

SMT Operations Leadership

Lead and manage all SMT production activities, including planning, scheduling, setup, assembly, inspection, testing, and rework processes.

Ensure achievement of production targets, quality objectives, and on-time delivery requirements.

Manage production capacity, workforce allocation, and equipment utilization.

Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.

Ensure smooth execution of daily manufacturing activities and operational priorities.

Process Improvement & Quality Management

Develop and maintain SMT manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process controls.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and cost optimization.

Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including:

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

First Pass Yield (FPY)

Throughput

Defect Rates

Downtime Reduction

Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.

Ensure compliance with IPC standards, ESD requirements, safety regulations, and quality management systems.

Equipment & Manufacturing Excellence

Oversee SMT equipment maintenance, reliability, and performance.

Coordinate with suppliers and service providers for equipment support and upgrades.

Support SMT line setup, process optimization, and yield improvement initiatives.

Lead installation, qualification, and optimization of new SMT equipment.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Support prototype builds and product development activities.

Lead the transition of new products into serial production.

Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) principles are incorporated.

Collaborate with Engineering teams to validate manufacturing readiness and production processes.

Leadership & Team Development

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing SMT team.

Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations.

Mentor engineers, supervisors, technicians, and operators.

Promote a culture of safety, quality, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Support employee development and technical capability enhancement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Production teams.

Support material readiness, production planning, and manufacturing execution.

Participate in operational reviews and strategic improvement initiatives.

Provide regular manufacturing and operational performance reports to management.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.

Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading SMT manufacturing operations.

Proven experience establishing, scaling, or optimizing SMT production environments.

Experience supporting both prototype and serial production environments is highly preferred.

Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, including:

Stencil Printing

SPI (Solder Paste Inspection)

Pick-and-Place Systems

Reflow Soldering

AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)

X-Ray Inspection

Rework & Repair Processes

Strong understanding of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.).

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and production planning processes.

Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data-driven decisions.

Core Competencies

Leadership

Integrity & Professionalism

Strategic Thinking

Decision Making

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Relationship Building

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Results Orientation

Why Join Air Q?

Opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing function within a rapidly growing aerospace and UAV technology company.

Work with advanced electronics manufacturing technologies and cutting-edge UAV systems.

Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, operational excellence, and industry-leading solutions.

Interested candidates may share their CV to: careers@airq-ad.com