Overview

Head of SMT Jobs in Abu Dhabi, UAE/Dubai at AirQ

Air Q Limited is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of SMT to lead and oversee all Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective production of electronic assemblies while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and team performance.

The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling SMT manufacturing capabilities, supporting new product introductions, optimizing production processes, and ensuring compliance with industry and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities SMT Operations Leadership

  • Lead and manage all SMT production activities, including planning, scheduling, setup, assembly, inspection, testing, and rework processes.
  • Ensure achievement of production targets, quality objectives, and on-time delivery requirements.
  • Manage production capacity, workforce allocation, and equipment utilization.
  • Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions where required.
  • Ensure smooth execution of daily manufacturing activities and operational priorities.

Process Improvement & Quality Management

  • Develop and maintain SMT manufacturing processes, work instructions, and process controls.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, yield improvement, cycle time reduction, and cost optimization.
  • Monitor key manufacturing KPIs including:
  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • First Pass Yield (FPY)
  • Throughput
  • Downtime Reduction
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
  • Ensure compliance with IPC standards, ESD requirements, safety regulations, and quality management systems.

Equipment & Manufacturing Excellence

  • Oversee SMT equipment maintenance, reliability, and performance.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and service providers for equipment support and upgrades.
  • Support SMT line setup, process optimization, and yield improvement initiatives.
  • Lead installation, qualification, and optimization of new SMT equipment.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

  • Support prototype builds and product development activities.
  • Lead the transition of new products into serial production.
  • Ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) principles are incorporated.
  • Collaborate with Engineering teams to validate manufacturing readiness and production processes.

Leadership & Team Development

  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing SMT team.
  • Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations.
  • Mentor engineers, supervisors, technicians, and operators.
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, ownership, and continuous improvement.
  • Support employee development and technical capability enhancement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Production teams.
  • Support material readiness, production planning, and manufacturing execution.
  • Participate in operational reviews and strategic improvement initiatives.
  • Provide regular manufacturing and operational performance reports to management.

Qualifications & Experience Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

  • Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electronics manufacturing.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading SMT manufacturing operations.
  • Proven experience establishing, scaling, or optimizing SMT production environments.
  • Experience supporting both prototype and serial production environments is highly preferred.
  • Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving capabilities.

Technical Skills

  • Strong knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes, including:
  • Pick-and-Place Systems
  • Reflow Soldering
  • AOI (Automated Optical Inspection)
  • X-Ray Inspection
  • Strong understanding of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.).
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and production planning processes.
  • Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data-driven decisions.

Core Competencies

  • Leadership
  • Integrity & Professionalism
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Decision Making
  • Relationship Building
  • Communication & Stakeholder Management
  • Results Orientation

Why Join Air Q?

  • Opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing function within a rapidly growing aerospace and UAV technology company.
  • Work with advanced electronics manufacturing technologies and cutting-edge UAV systems.
  • Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation, operational excellence, and industry-leading solutions.

Interested candidates may share their CV to:

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Title: Head of SMT

Company: AirQ

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE/Dubai

Category:

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