Technical Program Manager - SMT

About The Business

Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) is a greenfield venture of the Tata Group. The Tata Group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with the mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long term stakeholder value creation based on leadership with Trust. Tata Electronics is redefining the EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) landscape by delivering innovative consumer electronics products, services and solutions.

If you’re passionate about engineering excellence, product reliability, and driving business growth, join us to help shape the future of electronics manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement SMT processes to support New Product Introductions (NPI) and existing production lines.
• Manage SMT production processes and identify areas for improvement in performance, availability, and yield.
• Be able to troubleshoot and provide technical support to resolve production issues related to equipment failures, process shifts, and material defects.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, process flows, and control plans.
• Lead the end-to-end execution of technical programs related to consumer electronics products, parts, components, and modules.
• Work cross-functionally with design, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure seamless program execution.
• Define program roadmaps, set clear goals, and drive key milestones from concept to mass production.
• Drive alignment between product design and manufacturing capabilities.
• Partner with Client technical teams, factory teams and original design manufacturer (ODM) partners to ramp up production and resolve technical issues.
• Identify program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
• Utilize data-driven decision-making to optimize processes, improve quality, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Represent operations in discussions with product design teams, influencing product architecture for optimal manufacturability, scalability, and cost.
• Establish best practices and standardized processes to drive continuous improvement across programs.
• Lead technical reviews, manage escalations, and communicate project status to executive leadership.

Essential Attributes

• Manage NPI and sustaining operations with a strong background in SMT manufacturing with a level of understanding in:
  • Equipment-- Oversee equipment selection, install, setup, qualification, and PM activities.
  • Process--  Expert in PCBA layouts, SMT programming, thermal profiling, stencil design, troubleshooting soldering defects, cleaning methods, and contamination risks.
  • Quality-- Able to lead quality excursions, identify Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and suggest corrective actions.
• Strong technical acumen with a deep understanding of consumer electronics manufacturing, supply chain, and product development.
• Excellent program management skills with the ability to manage complex cross-functional projects with customers in multiple time zones.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset, with problem-solving skills to navigate ambiguity and complexity.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment with multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or a related field).
• Master’s degree (MBA or M.S.) is a plus.

Desired Experience Level

• 5+ years of experience in technical program management, product operations, or equivalent management experience within the consumer electronics industry or equivalent.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale technical programs from concept to production.
• Experience working with OEM/ODM partners and driving manufacturing process improvements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, product ramp, quality control, and operational efficiencies in high-volume consumer electronics production.
• Experience in Data-driven manufacturing, automation, or Industry 4.0 technologies is a plus