EMS/SMT Quality Engineer

Kaifa Technology USA an EMS team seeking a self-initiated, proactive Process & Quality Engineer to join us in San Jose, CA. In this role, the split is approximately 70% Process Engineering / 30% Quality Engineering. You will not have layers of oversight or dedicated support staff. We need someone who sees what needs to be done, takes ownership, and drives solutions from start to finish without waiting for direction.

You will own and optimize SMT, PCBA, and box/casing assembly processes, prepare work instructions and travelers from customer input, monitor floor execution, and embed quality controls throughout production., * Process Optimization: Design, configure, and continuously improve SMT and box build assembly processes. Drive yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and equipment efficiency (OEE).

• Work Instruction & Traveler Preparation: Create, maintain, and revise detailed work instructions (WI) and production travelers based on customer-provided information (BOM, drawings, specifications, samples). Ensure WI/travelers are clear, accurate, and aligned with both customer requirements and internal process capabilities.
• Execution Monitoring & Verification: Actively monitor production floor adherence to process plans and WIs. Conduct real-time verification that operators are following documented steps. Identify and document deviations; provide immediate corrective feedback and update documentation as needed.
• Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Rapidly diagnose process deviations, equipment malfunctions, and quality defects on the production floor. Lead root cause analysis using 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, and other structured methodologies.
• Quality Integration: Develop and implement quality control checkpoints within process flows. Ensure products meet IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and customer specifications. Conduct process audits and capability studies (Cpk).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Production, NPI, Supply Chain, and Customer Quality teams. Facilitate communication between floor operators and engineering to resolve real-time issues.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain controlled documentation including WI, travelers, control plans, PFMEA, and quality records. Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements. Support internal and external audits.
• NPI & Process Validation: Lead DFM reviews, first article inspections (FAI), and process validation runs. Ensure smooth production ramp-up with complete, verified documentation.
• Training & Support: Train production personnel on new or revised WIs/travelers, optimized processes, quality standards, and proper use of inspection equipment. Verify training effectiveness through follow-up audits., * Growth Industry: Our EMS business serves rapidly expanding sectors including electronics manufacturing, automotive, control systems, consumer electronics, and medical devices. Your skills will be in high demand for years to come.
• Career Advancement: We promote from within. Successful Process & Quality Engineers advance to Senior Engineer, Process Engineering Manager, Quality Manager, or Operations leadership roles.
• Skill Development: Gain deep expertise in advanced process modeling, MES integration, CAD-based DFM, Six Sigma methodologies, and customer-facing quality management.
• Stability & Impact: Located in San Jose, CA-the heart of Silicon Valley. You will directly influence product quality, operational efficiency, and cost competitiveness for cutting-edge electronic devices.
• Real Ownership, No Bureaucracy: In our lean team, your work is highly visible. You will not be buried in a large corporate machine. Your ideas become reality quickly.

Do you have experience in Technical Proficiency?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?, * Experience: 2+ years of combined Process and/or Quality Engineering experience within an EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) environment. SMT, PCBA, and box/casing assembly experience are mandatory.

• Self-Initiative & Proactiveness: You do not wait to be told what to do. You identify problems, propose solutions, and act independently. You thrive without constant supervision or hand-holding.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify trends, and translate data into actionable process improvements. Proficiency with statistical methods.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple process improvement projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced CM environment.
• Software Proficiency:
• MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems): Experience with MES for work order tracking, SPC, and traceability.
• Process Modeling: Familiarity with process mapping or simulation tools.
• CAD Software: Ability to view and interpret CAD models and drawings.
• Six Sigma & Problem-Solving: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred. Proven use of DMAIC, root cause analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Standards & Certification: Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001; ISO 9001 QMS experience required.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable leading cross-functional meetings and presenting findings to management and customers.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Preferred:

• Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) for IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001.
• Experience in high-reliability sectors: automotive, medical, and control systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience with MES and ERP systems.

You may NOT be right for us if:

• You need close supervision or step-by-step direction daily., Being a process engineer in manufacturing is highly analytical and strategic, requiring a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail, and teamwork. Effective process engineers help companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maintain high quality standards in the production environment, making them critical to competitive manufacturing operations.

· 70/30 Process-to-Quality split - heavy hands-on process ownership with integrated quality responsibilities.

· Core daily function: Prepare work instructions (WI) and production travelers from customer input; monitor and verify execution on the floor.

· Lean team environment: We need self-initiated, proactive, self-motivated individuals who do not wait for direction.

· Must-have: EMS experience, SMT/PCBA/box build, IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001, and structured problem-solving (8D, DMAIC).

· Software skills required: MES, process modeling tools, and CAD viewer proficiency.

· Analytical & project management skills are just as important as technical knowledge.

· Located on-site in San Jose, CA - work at the center of electronics innovation.

· Opportunity to drive real impact on yield, cost, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a fast-growing EMS CM environment., * Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account, Kaifa Technology USA, Inc. offers competitive benefits such as medical, dental vision, 401K plan, FSA, PTO and other plans. Kaifa is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and an equal opportunity employer. As we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law., * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Company Introduction: Kaifa Technology USA is solely owned by Shenzhen Kaifa Technology Co., Ltd., the world’s Top 50 electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider. We serve customers worldwide in the following industries: computer, hard disk component, smart meter, mobile communication, medical electronics, solid state storage, semiconductor testing and packaging, wearables and IOT, and automotive. We provide services for the ecosystem, including but not limited to R&D, process design, production control, procurement management, and logistics support. We have been listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock code: 000021) since 1994. Kaifa Technology USA is based in San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley and the prototype center of the Shenzhen Kaifa Technology in North America. We provide the best solutions and fastest turnaround time to our customer’s prototype needs. We support the seamless transfer of NPI and mass production to our manufacturing sites in China, Malaysia, Philippines