Position Summary
The NPI Process Technician plays a key role in supporting new product builds, engineering pilots, and customer sample runs. This role ensures all NPI activities are executed smoothly by preparing tooling/fixtures, validating machine programs, verifying documentation, capturing build issues, and supporting engineers in process qualification before mass production release.
The technician works closely with Process Engineering, Test Engineering, Quality, and R&D to ensure manufacturability and high product quality during the early build phases.
Key Responsibilities (NPI‑Focused)
1. NPI Build Preparation
- Review NPI packages: BOM, Gerber, PCB drawings, special instructions, tooling requirements.
- Verify readiness of:
- Stencils, wave pallets, fixtures, carriers.
- Solder paste, flux, adhesive, and special consumables.
- Machine programs (SMT, SPI, AOI, Reflow, Wave, Selective).
- Ensure correct engineering revisions are applied to all documents and setups.
- Conduct tooling and fixture fit‑check before first build.
2. First Article Build (FAB) & Engineering Runs
- Support first article build activities by:
- Validating machine parameters and recipes for the new design.
- Checking component orientation, polarity, critical placements, and special handling parts.
- Confirming reflow and wave profiles for new PCB stack‑up or special materials.
- Perform on‑floor observation during NPI builds to ensure stable manufacturability.
- Document all abnormalities with clear description, photos, and location mapping.
3. Troubleshooting & Engineering Support
- Identify manufacturability risks during NPI builds (e.g., narrow pitch pads, large copper areas, unique component shapes).
- Assist engineers with:
- SMT placement optimization
- Solderability checks
- Washability and cleanliness checks
- Testability challenges
- Provide technical feedback for DFM/DFX improvements before MP release.
4. Process Validation & Characterization
- Support engineers in validating:
- Reflow and wave profiles for new products or special substrates.
- Paste release on fine‑pitch or unique stencil designs.
- Solder joint quality per IPC‑A‑610 requirements.
- Washing effectiveness and chemical compatibility.
- Participate in DOE (Design of Experiments) for:
- Solder paste trials
- Flux evaluation
- Profile optimization
- Component washability
- Record and summarize results for engineering review.
5. Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare and maintain NPI-related documents:
- First Article Inspection (FAI) reports
- NPI Checklists
- Build Issue Log / Engineering Build Report
- Tooling verification document
- Lessons-learned summary for MP handover
- Communicate build issues to engineers with clear, structured feedback.
- Support the creation or update of SOPs, WIs, process guides, and build instructions.
6. Cross‑Functional and Customer Sample Support
- Support production of:
- Customer sample builds
- Pilot lots
- Engineering qualification builds
- Coordinate with Quality and Test Engineering to ensure measurement tools, test programs, and special requirements are ready.
- Participate in engineering meetings or sample reviews when required.
7. Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Train operators and line leaders on:
- Special processes introduced by NPI products
- Handling instructions for new components
- Updated methods or tools
- Support engineers in transferring knowledge to the MP team after NPI closure.
Qualifications
Education
- Technical diploma or higher in Electronics, Mechatronics, or related engineering fields.
Experience
- Experience in electronics/PCBA manufacturing preferred.
- Prior involvement in NPI builds or engineering trial runs is a strong advantage.
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of SMT, Reflow, Wave Soldering, and Washing principles.
- Ability to read PCB drawings, BOMs, and engineering documents.
- Familiar with IPC‑A‑610 and workmanship requirements.
- Basic knowledge of machine programming and profiling tools.
- Good troubleshooting skills related to soldering, placement, and assembly defects.
Competency
- High attention to detail and structured problem‑solving.
- Strong ownership and responsibility toward engineering deliverables.
- Good communication with engineers and cross‑functional teams.
- Fast learner; adaptable to new products and new processes.
- Calm and effective under tight NPI timelines and frequent design changes.
Working Conditions
- Engineering‑focused role mainly on production floor during NPI builds.
- Hands-on with tools, machines, fixtures, components, and test equipment.
- May require extended hours during urgent engineering builds.
