Pcba Process & Manufacturing Specialist

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments institutions and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space cybersecurity and digital identity were driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

Primary Purpose of the Role:

Thales is expanding its presence in India through the development of a Group Engineering Competence Centre (ECC) reinforcing its position as a leader in all its markets. Launching in early 2019 in Bengaluru the ECC will expand Thales footprint in its core business areas and cement its long-standing relationship with India. Thales has an objective to expand industrial process engineering function in India ensuring remote engineering support to Thales Industry and preparing industrial footprint expansion in the region. Achieving a high level of maturity for our products in production is one of the major challenges of the Thales industry both during the industrialization phase and throughout the products life cycle.
This Job Description is for Industrial Process Engineering & the Role is PCBA PROCESS & MANUFACTURING SPECIALIST
The role is based in Bangalore and requires frequent travel to supplier sites across Bangalore and other locations within India and Asia.

Organization:
You will be part of the Industrial Process Engineering Industrialization team responsible for defining and managing manufacturing technologies for electronic boards mechanical components and related processes. The team supports all product life-cycle phases bidding development and series production.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks
Core Responsibilities
Responsible for co-developing qualifying optimizing PCB Assembly processes with EMS
Work closely with EMS suppliers to ensure adherence to approved manufacturing processes specifications and quality requirements - Serve as the primary technical point of contact for PCBA manufacturing processes with suppliers.
Review challenge and validate supplier process documentation (process flows control plans PFMEA work instructions) and ensure compliance with IPC standards customer and internal guidelines.
Support resolution of manufacturing and quality issues during development and series production including participation in supplier audits and on-site technical reviews.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers including cost quality lead-time optimization supplier qualification and standardization of best practices across the supply base.
Manage process evolution and technology upgrades.
NPI Activities (working with industrial architects and engineering teams)
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and industrialization activities at supplier sites in following phases:
R& T Phase:
o Collaborate with R&T teams to support industrialization activities (POC Mock up) Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) maturity plans and the introduction of emerging PCBA technologies materials and processes.
Bidding Phase:
o Evaluate and recommend PCBA manufacturing processes based on risk assessments and supplier capability including technical support during supplier selection.
o Contribute to supplier qualification by assessing process maturity and validating processsupplier combinations.
Development Phase:
o Develop and execute process qualification and APQP validation plans to confirm manufacturing readiness including tooling materials and equipment capability.
o Conduct DFM/DFA reviews with internal design teams and suppliers and propose design optimizations to achieve target cost and manufacturability objectives.
o Lead supplier industrial reviews such as Production Readiness Reviews (PRR) and First Article Inspections (FAI).
Transfer & Series Production Activities (in coordination with Series Product Managers Supplier Product Quality Managers and Industrial Transfer Managers)
Manage BTP (Build To Print) transfer by:
o Ensuring the supplier achieve technical capability (mastering of technological processes before transfer)
o Defining and monitoring test vehicles before transfer
o Leading and validating PRR & FAI
Provide technological support for production including defect analysis and expert intervention.
Lead root cause analysis and drive corrective actions for manufacturing or assembly issues.
Manage risk assessments and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage process evolution and technology upgrades with subcontractors and relevant stakeholders
Cross-Functional Missions
Develop and update technical standards within the PCBA domain; participate in Thales Group-wide working groups.
Suggest process and business tool improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
Ensure adherence to professional standards guaranteeing compliance with IPC ISO EN 9100 and other aerospace quality requirements.
Work closely with the France team to understand and benchmark processes then collaborate with suppliers to implement and qualify those processes.
Major Challenges
Ensure Supplier Quality Process Development meets global industrial plan & Timeline
Work with multiple GBUs/BLs of France in a different Time Zone
Work with multiple Suppliers/multiple projects in tandem for Process Qualification
Continuously Develop the required technical skills (skilling-up) and capability by effective learning Opportunities
Opportunity to work in an organization driving the development of a structured engineering footprint aligned with Thales growth and competitiveness ambitions.
Opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds across the globe
A work environment that fosters professional development through continuous learning close team collaboration and a solution-oriented mindset. Skills & Knowledge Required Technology Skills
Strong Knowledge of PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) processes: SMT through-hole wave soldering reflow soldering and inspection techniques
Understanding of testing methodologies: AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) ICT (In-Circuit Test) functional testing.
Familiarity with SnPb lead-free and backward assembly processes
Familiar with EN9100 aerospace quality standards.
Knowledge of DFx approaches including Design for Manufacturing Test and Repair.
Knowledge of materials components and supply chain relevant to PCBA.
Ability to read and interpret PCB drawings Gerber files and BOMs
Expertise in inspection and analysis methods such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) X-rays micro-sectioning and destructive testing

Quality Tools
Hands on of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) methodology & documentation.
Experienced in problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques like PDCA 8D 5 Whys Fishbone Analysis especially related to electronic board assembly technologies.

Soft Skills
Learning & Proactive mindset with a continuous focus on improvement.
Strong analytical communication interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
Dynamic and flexible able to adapt to changing priorities.
Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and logical reasoning.
Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Years of experience Required

8 to 10 years of experience in Printed Circuit Board Assembly supporting NPI and series production in In House & outsourced environments.
Aerospace sector experience is preferred. Educational

Qualification Required
Bachelor/Masters in Electronics Engineering Language English French basic knowledge is a plus

At Thales were committed to fostering a workplace where respect trust collaboration and passion drive everything we do. Here youll feel empowered to bring your best self thrive in a supportive culture and love the work you do. Join us and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference for a safer greener and more inclusive world.