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Head of SMT
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
22 August 2026 (2 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
19 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
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
- Bachelors Degree in Electronics Engineering Industrial Engineering Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum 810 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.
- Minimum 35 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:
