Debug & Rework SME (Test Engineering)

Debug & Rework Subject Matter Expert (SME III)

Job Summary

The Debug & Rework SME III serves as the regional technical authority for Debug and Rework processes across multiple manufacturing sites. This role is responsible for developing, standardizing, and optimizing repair processes, troubleshooting methodologies, and failure analysis practices to improve quality, productivity, throughput, and customer satisfaction.

The SME III provides technical leadership, drives continuous improvement initiatives, supports New Product Introduction (NPI), monitors regional performance through key operational metrics, and ensures compliance with global standards and best practices. This position also develops the technical capability of engineering and production teams through training, coaching, and mentoring.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional Subject Matter Expert for Debug and Rework processes.
• Standardize Debug and Rework methodologies, procedures, and best practices across manufacturing sites.
• Monitor regional KPIs and lead improvement initiatives to optimize quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Lead troubleshooting, failure analysis, and root cause investigations for complex manufacturing issues.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Support NPI by developing repair strategies, documentation, and process readiness.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Process Engineering, and Operations to improve repairability, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Lead regional projects focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain repair documentation, work instructions, visual aids, and technical standards.
• Conduct regional audits to ensure compliance with Debug and Rework standards.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs; coach and mentor engineers, technicians, and Site SMEs to build organizational capability.
• Analyze repair trends and manufacturing data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support customer visits, Quality Business Reviews (QBRs), and technical discussions as required.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality systems, IPC standards, ESD requirements, and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electronics, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of manufacturing experience with at least 7 years in Debug, Rework, Test, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of electronic troubleshooting, PCB repair, SMT/THT processes, IPC standards, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and cross-functional project leadership.
• Excellent analytical, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems (MES/ERP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA.
• IPC certifications (IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/7721, J-STD-001).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience supporting regional or global manufacturing operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Pass on Retest (PRT)
• Test WIP inventory (Test WIP)
• Debug Efficiency
• Rework Efficiency
• Debug Productivity
• Rework Productivity
• Repair First Pass Yield (RFPY)
• Repeat Repair Rate
• Customer Return Reduction (RMA)
• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• Production SCRAP
• Process Standardization and Audit Compliance
• Training Effectiveness and Technical Capability Development