Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Engineer

The Nokia Network Infrastructure OPS Supply Chain Fixed Networks Continuous Improvement Engineer will primarily work onsite at one of our manufacturing partners in Malaysia. This role is critical in ensuring production yield and quality for New Product Introduction (NPI), ramp-up, and volume products for our NI FN BBN and BBD products. The engineer will also lead customer complaint management, drive continuous quality improvements, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance supplier performance and product quality. A strong focus will be placed on PCBA manufacturing processes, advanced quality tools, lean methodologies, and smart manufacturing.
 

• Collaborate with suppliers and R&D teams of our NI FN BBN-BU and BBD-BU (Business Unit) to ensure production predictability and stability at the supplier site.
• Support capacity planning and ensure consistent output with high-quality standards at the supplier.
• Manage customer complaints using 8D reporting methodology, ensuring timely resolution and communication.
• Drive the implementation and validation of improvement and corrective actions.
• Conduct risk assessments and provide recommendations for new suppliers and process technologies.
• Oversee sustaining activities and process optimization to ensure long-term efficiency.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive continuous improvement plan.
• Work with suppliers to establish and implement quality management plans using industry-standard tools and methodologies to drive quality improvements.
• Conduct end-to-end audits of PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT, wave soldering, and selective soldering, to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Work with the supplier to troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Collaborate with the supplier and the R&D design teams to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles are applied to the designs.
• Lead efforts to optimize thermal profiling, soldering processes, and ESD controls in PCBA manufacturing.
• Drive the adoption of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and promote sustainability practices in PCBA manufacturing.
• Support the implementation of Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) initiatives, including process automation, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and process improvements to increase efficiency and responsiveness. 

You have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on manufacturing quality experience, preferably in telecom, consumer electronics, or high-mix, high-volume environments.
• Advanced knowledge of SMT (Surface Mount Technology), wave soldering, and selective soldering processes.
• Familiarity with PCBA testing methods, including ICT (In-Circuit Testing), flying probe testing, and functional testing.
• Familiarity with PCBA manufacturing processes and equipment, including:
• ESD/MSD controls
• Calibration of test equipment
• Fixture setup
• Handling of sensitive components
• Familiarity with industry standards, including:
  • ISO 9001:2015
  • IEC 60812 (FMEA)
  • IEC 61000 (EMC)
  • IPC-2221 (PCB design rules)
  • IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies)
  • IPC-J-STD-001 (Solderability)
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies, including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Expertise in root cause analysis techniques, such as 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, and Fault-Tree Analysis.
• Strong understanding of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
• Knowledge of process automation tools and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, such as predictive maintenance and real-time production monitoring.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing principles (VSM, Kaizen, ...) to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, statistical tools, ...) for process improvement and defect reduction.
• Understanding of sustainability practices in PCBA manufacturing.
• Proficiency in computer and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English with strong communication and collaboration skills.

It would be nice if you also had:

• Experience with large-scale projects is a plus.
• Proficiency in Chinese is a plus, and the ability to communicate in the local language with operators and/or other manufacturing personnel is highly advantageous.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset to contribute innovative solutions in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional, international teams to ensure manufacturing excellence across the product lifecycle.
• International mindset with a passion for quality and continuous improvement.