R&D Process Engineering Technician

Smiths Group

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Coyol, Alajuela, cr on site Until 8/23/2026 First posted April 21, 2026 Last posted April 21, 2026
Job description

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries. 

Supports the development, processing, testing, and troubleshooting of thick‑film hybrid microcircuits and related electronic assemblies. This role works closely with process engineers to ensure product quality, equipment performance, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain thick‑film processing equipment including screen printers, dryers, firing furnaces, laser trimmers, and inspection tools.
  • Execute Engineering runs for hybrid thick film circuits following established work instructions, process parameters, and quality standards.
  • Perform material preparation activities such as paste mixing, screen setup, and substrate handling.
  • Assist engineers with process optimization, DOE (Design of Experiments), yield analysis, and root cause investigations.
  • Inspect substrates and finished assemblies using microscopes, AOI (automated optical inspection), and metrology equipment.
  • Maintain accurate documentation including travelers, process logs, equipment settings, SPC charts, and non‑conformance records.
  • Support preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and calibration of thick‑film equipment to minimize downtime.
  • Work cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve process issues and improve throughput.
  • Follow all safety, ESD, and cleanroom protocols.
  • This person must be able to work in a Class 7 clean room with proper gowning.

 

    2 years Engineering Technician with experience in the following areas:

    • Thick Film Screen Printing, Furnaces, Laser trimmers and inspection tools
    • Development, processing, testing, and troubleshooting of thick‑film hybrid microcircuits
    • Product quality, equipment performance, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations
    • Working in a Clean room

    All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

    About this role

    Summary

    Operate and maintain thick‑film equipment, assist process engineers, ensure quality and continuous improvement.

    Job title

    R&D Process Engineering Technician

    Experience level

    2+ years

    Industry

    manufacturing

    Location requirements

    Coyol, Alajuela, CR; on-site work only

    Salary

    Not specified

    Management role

    No

    Skills & keywords

    Required skills

    thick filmscreen printingfurnaceslaser trimmersinspection toolsmicrocircuitscleanroom

    Preferred skills

    None specified

    Specializations

    thick filmmicrocircuitsprocess optimizationcleanroom
    Locations

    Structured locations inferred from the posting.

    Alajuela Province, Alajuela, El Coyol, Costa Rica

    On-site City