Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Jabil
Software Engineering
Chihuahua, Mexico
Posted on Mar 6, 2026
Job Summary
The Manufacturing Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the Manufacturing Engineering function with a strong focus on SMT processes, ensuring efficient, stable, and high‑quality operations. This role drives process optimization, supports new product introductions, and develops engineering talent while fostering a proactive, service‑oriented, and continuous improvement culture.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Manufacturing Engineering & SMT Operations
Experience & Technical Skills
The Manufacturing Engineering Lead is responsible for leading the Manufacturing Engineering function with a strong focus on SMT processes, ensuring efficient, stable, and high‑quality operations. This role drives process optimization, supports new product introductions, and develops engineering talent while fostering a proactive, service‑oriented, and continuous improvement culture.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Manufacturing Engineering & SMT Operations
- Manage and coordinate daily activities of Manufacturing Engineers and Machine Support Engineers within the SMT area.
- Act as technical owner of SMT processes, ensuring robust and optimized operations for:
- Solder paste printing
- Solder paste inspection (SPI)
- Component placement (FUJI equipment)
- Reflow ovens
- Define, optimize, and validate reflow oven thermal profiles in accordance with product and customer requirements.
- Interpret and apply customer drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Support and validate SMT stencil design, ensuring proper aperture design and print performance.
- Lead and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including pilot runs, process validation, and transfer to volume production.
- Support evaluation, selection, and implementation of new SMT equipment and technologies.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators such as machine uptime, efficiency, yield, and defect rates.
- Lead structured problem-solving activities using methodologies such as Ishikawa and 5 Whys.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and on‑time delivery.
- Identify process improvement opportunities related to machine performance, material usage, and process stability.
- Promote best-in-class engineering solutions through technology benchmarking and lean manufacturing principles.
- Establish clear individual and team performance metrics.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, 1:1 meetings, and annual appraisals.
- Identify ongoing technical and professional development needs and create individual development plans.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to Manufacturing Engineers and Machine Technicians.
- Foster a proactive mindset, strong teamwork, and a high level of service attitude.
- Support succession planning for the Manufacturing Engineering function.
- Provide strong technical support to both internal and external customers.
- Support business development activities by assessing technical requirements for new and existing customers.
- Contribute to quoting and feasibility analysis through technical evaluations.
- Deliver customer‑focused solutions that improve manufacturing performance and business results.
Experience & Technical Skills
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in SMT manufacturing environments.
- Strong hands‑on knowledge of SMT equipment:
- Solder paste printers
- SPI systems
- FUJI pick‑and‑place machines
- Reflow ovens
- Proven experience in reflow profile development and optimization.
- Strong ability to interpret customer drawings and technical documentation.
- Experience in SMT stencil design and validation.
- Experience supporting New Product Introductions (NPI).
- Basic to intermediate knowledge of PCB design.
- Strong problem‑solving skills using structured methodologies (Ishikawa, 5 Whys).
- Conversational English (able to communicate effectively with global teams and customers).
- Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
- Proactive, service‑oriented mindset.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.