08 - Lead Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment

Summary

The Lead Engineer, Manufacturing Equipment is responsible for the development, design, and sourcing of advanced manufacturing equipment to support operational and automation goals. This role bridges strategic automation procurement with hands-on technical lifecycle management—including line setup, validation, maintenance, and optimization to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) while maintaining a safe, ergonomically sound, and highly efficient working environment.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Automation Sourcing & Development: Lead the development, procurement, and implementation of off-the-shelf standard solutions and/or develop new standard automation setups to support customer manufacturing needs.

• Line Installation & Rollout: Lead the end-to-end setup, installation, configuration, and qualification of eight new, high-complexity Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing lines at the Fort Worth facility.

• Project Roadmap Support: Drive customer product roadmaps utilizing corporate Automation End-to-End (E2E) processes and tools, including User Requirement Specifications (URS), Design for Automation Assembly (DFAA), and PM workbooks.

• Validation & Testing: Resolve complex technical issues and lead rigorous equipment validation activities, such as Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

• Performance Optimization: Plan and lead hardware and software improvements on automated lines by analyzing OEE data, machine capability studies, speed losses, and other key manufacturing metrics.

• Infrastructure Support: Oversee and maintain specialized equipment infrastructure, including liquid cooling loops and secondary infrastructure supporting the Sunfish and Corgi production lines.

• Maintenance & Asset Management: Develop, oversee, and execute robust preventative and predictive maintenance plans. Take accountability for the performance, maintenance, and global spare parts management for multiple machines within the value stream to avoid line degradation.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with Process Engineering to ensure all equipment is statistically capable of meeting strict product manufacturing and quality requirements.

• Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Act as the primary point of contact and own communication with internal stakeholders and external global equipment suppliers regarding technical specifications, designs, and engineering changes.

• Continuous Improvement: Apply Lean Six Sigma and 5S methodologies to systematically eliminate waste, optimize line efficiency, and elevate overall quality.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• SMT Technology Expertise: Deep, full-lifecycle technical proficiency across full SMT lines, including Pick and Place systems, Screen Printers, Solder Paste application, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), Solder Print Inspection (SPI), Reflow ovens, In-Circuit Testing (ICT), X-Ray inspection, rework, manual/selective soldering, and profiling.
• Engineering & Analytical Skills: Advanced troubleshooting capabilities, data analysis skills (SPC, capability indices), and root-cause analysis to systematically address machine failures.
• Project & Team Leadership: Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to lead multi-million dollar equipment deployments and cross-functional teams.

Physical Demands

• Duties are split between a structured office environment and a dynamic manufacturing facility floor.

• Requires the ability to work the first shift (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

• Position requires extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on computer monitors, technical engineering designs, and dense statistical data.

• Frequent repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, software configuration, equipment handling, and tool usage) are required.

• Up to 20% travel is required, including international travel to Thailand and China for specialized equipment training and global vendor coordination.

Typical Experience

• 5 to 7 years of relevant engineering experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment, with a clear, proven track record in automation, heavy SMT line operations, and vendor management.

Typical Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Automation) or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on professional experience.

• Educational requirements may vary slightly by geography.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.