SMT / SMD PRODUCTION MANAGER

This position is intended for a hands-on manufacturing professional who understands SMD/SMT equipment, process control, line setup, production ramp-up, troubleshooting, quality, and day-to-day shopfloor operations. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Duck-il Industry headquarters in Korea.

CRITICAL REQUIREMENT: Hands-on SMD/SMT production-line experience in the automotive parts or automotive electronics manufacturing industry is required.

1. Key Responsibilities

SMT / SMD Line Operations

Lead and oversee day-to-day SMD/SMT production line operations for automotive electronic components.

Support SMT line installation, equipment setup, commissioning, trial production, mass-production ramp-up, and line stabilization.

Manage production conditions, line setup, changeovers, work instructions, and process controls to achieve stable output and quality.

Monitor and improve productivity, yield, cycle time, downtime, efficiency, output, and equipment utilization.

Identify and troubleshoot SMT process abnormalities, equipment issues, and production bottlenecks; coordinate corrective actions.

Drive continuous improvement for line productivity, process capability, quality, and manufacturing efficiency.

Coordinate preventive maintenance, equipment readiness, spare-parts needs, and technical support with Maintenance and Engineering.

SMT Process & Technical Management

Provide practical process oversight across solder paste printing, component placement, reflow, inspection, and related SMT manufacturing steps.

Support setup and optimization of SMT mounters / pick-and-place equipment and associated production parameters.

Use SPI and AOI inspection results to identify recurring defects and improve process performance.

Support PCB/PCBA manufacturing quality, defect analysis, root-cause investigation, and corrective/preventive actions.

Participate in new product introduction (NPI), sample builds, process validation, trial runs, and mass-production readiness.

Review manufacturing feasibility and provide production input for new automotive electronic products.

Production Management & Coordination

Develop and manage production plans and schedules based on customer demand, material availability, line capacity, and manpower.

Manage work orders, shopfloor priorities, workforce allocation, and production performance reporting.

Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Logistics, Procurement, and Sales to resolve production issues.

Collaborate with Duck-il Industry headquarters in Korea on equipment, process, production, technical, and manufacturing matters.

Support establishment of SOPs, work standards, production KPIs, and manufacturing management systems for the new U.S. operation.

5+ years of hands-on SMD/SMT manufacturing experience, preferably with increasing responsibility in production or process operations.

Automotive parts or automotive electronics SMD/SMT production-line experience is required.

Strong practical knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, production equipment, line setup, process control, and troubleshooting.

Experience managing SMT production performance, including yield, downtime, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Experience with production ramp-up, new product launch, process stabilization, or new-line setup.

Ability to analyze production problems, determine root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.

Experience in a manufacturing shopfloor environment and cross-functional coordination.

Working knowledge of ERP, MES, MRP, or other manufacturing/production management systems.

Strong communication, organization, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

1. Preferred Technical Experience

SMT mounters / pick-and-place equipment (experience with Yamaha or similar equipment is a plus).

Solder paste printing and stencil-related process control.

Reflow soldering process and profile management.

SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) and AOI (Automated Optical Inspection).

SMT line programming, setup, changeover, feeder management, and equipment troubleshooting.

PCB / PCBA manufacturing processes and electronic-component handling.

Preventive maintenance and equipment performance improvement.

Automotive quality systems and customer requirements; OEM, Tier-1, or Tier-2 manufacturing experience.

Experience establishing or stabilizing manufacturing operations at a new facility.

Experience working with a Korean-headquartered manufacturer or U.S. subsidiary.

Korean-English bilingual communication skills are a plus.

1. Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Equivalent substantial hands-on automotive SMT/SMD manufacturing experience may be considered.

Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, U.S.-based employee benefits apply; relocation assistance and other conditions may be discussed.

1. Recruitment Process

2. Application submission and resume screening

3. Interview(s) with DIA USA / HQ management

4. Employment history and qualification verification

5. Compensation and employment-term discussion

6. Internal hiring decision and Offer Letter

7. Pre-employment documentation, employment agreement, and onboarding

Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year, * 401(k)

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

DIA USA CORP., the U.S. manufacturing subsidiary of Duck-il Industry Co., Ltd., is establishing automotive electronics manufacturing operations in Auburn, Alabama. The SMT / SMD Production Manager will play a core role in establishing, operating, and stabilizing the company’s surface-mount production capability for automotive electronic components.