SMT Operator I / II

Techstaff • Scottsdale, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

An AS9100-certified electronics design and manufacturing company in Scottsdale is hiring SMT Operators at Level I or II to produce complex, high-reliability circuit board assemblies in low-to-medium volumes. The operator runs and maintains a Juki SMT line that includes a solder paste printer, pick-and-place machine, and reflow oven. When SMT production volume is low, the operator performs automated optical inspection (AOI) on completed assemblies.

Candidates with 2–3+ years of SMT line operating experience may qualify as Operator II. Candidates without that experience may start as Operator I and receive training. Advancement to Operator II is based on demonstrated skill rather than time served. Operator IIs may learn to correct and adjust existing Juki programs under the company’s change-control process; programming is not initially required.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, on an 8-hour day shift, with occasional overtime as production requires. It requires standing for extended periods, occasionally lifting up to 35 pounds, manual dexterity, close vision (corrected vision is acceptable), and use of ESD protection and safety procedures.

Requirements

• Reliable attendance and punctuality for every shift.
• Good attitude; willingness to take direction, own mistakes, and help where needed.
• Willingness to learn proactively by asking questions and understanding why procedures are followed.
• Attention to detail when verifying parts and placements.
• Ability and willingness to follow written procedures and document work.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to read work instructions and BOMs in English.
• For Operator II: 2–3+ years operating an SMT line, including paste printer, pick-and-place, and reflow.
• For Operator II: experience with feeder setup, changeovers, and first-level equipment troubleshooting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Juki equipment.
• AOI operation experience.
• IPC-A-610 knowledge or certification.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with tools, adjustments, and precision equipment.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume or aerospace manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set up and tear down the SMT line using setup sheets, bills of materials (BOMs), and work instructions.
• Load feeders and verify parts, values, and polarity before production runs.
• Prepare and handle solder paste, and keep the stencil clean.
• Run paste printing, pick-and-place, and reflow processes to the production schedule.
• Inspect first articles and in-process boards; stop production and escalate recurring defects.
• Monitor machine error data and address causes of pick and recognition errors.
• Perform daily and weekly preventive maintenance and record it in the PM log.
• Troubleshoot first-level issues involving feeders, nozzles, vacuum, sensors, and conveyors.
• Assist with monthly and quarterly maintenance and calibration.
• Operate AOI when SMT production is slow; review flagged calls against IPC-A-610, distinguish defects from false calls, route defects to rework, and report patterns.
• Follow work instructions and document work in travelers, setup records, and ERP transactions.
• Support root-cause analysis, maintain a clean and ESD-safe work area, and assist with hand assembly, touch-up, rework, and inventory moves when the line is down.
• As skills develop, correct and adjust existing Juki programs, including pick positions, part data, placement offsets, and fiducials, under the change-control process.

Benefits

• Paid training on SMT, AOI, and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, with a path to IPC-A-610 certification.
• Defined path from Operator I to Operator II.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• PTO.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k).
• Small team environment where employees’ work is seen and ideas are heard.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED