SMT Operator

Teksky•West Melbourne, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The SMT Operator will be responsible for executing complete line setups and changeovers on SMT equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens. This role involves loading, verifying, and validating feeders, confirming component polarity and orientation, and validating machine programs and placement accuracy. The operator will also perform and inspect first-article builds to ensure compliance before full production runs. Process control and optimization are key, including inspecting solder paste deposition, monitoring for common placement defects, reviewing reflow oven profiles, and identifying root causes of defects to implement corrective actions. The role also requires adherence to quality standards, documentation, and ESD protocols, as well as performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on SMT equipment. Collaboration with engineering teams on program refinements and process enhancements is also expected.

Requirements

Minimum 3+ years of direct SMT line operation experience in a production setting.
Hands-on experience with multi-head pick-and-place systems, fine-pitch components, and BGA placement.
Proficiency placing 0201 (or smaller) components (strongly preferred).
Ability to read and interpret BOMs, assembly drawings, setup sheets, and work instructions.
Expertise in feeder setup, verification, and quick changeover techniques.
In-depth knowledge of common SMT defects, their causes, and corrective/preventive measures.
Comfort thriving in a fast-paced, high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environment.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods.
Capable of lifting up to 30 lbs.
Comfortable working in a production manufacturing facility.

Nice To Haves

Current IPC-A-610 certification.
Familiarity with IPC-J-STD-001 soldering standards.
Experience operating AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) systems.
Knowledge of reflow profiling techniques.
Background in contract/EMS (electronics manufacturing services) environments.
Exposure to Lean manufacturing principles, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Execute complete line setups and changeovers, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines (e.g., Yamaha, Fuji, Juki, ASM, or equivalent), and reflow ovens.
Load, verify, and validate feeders according to setup sheets and BOM requirements.
Confirm correct component polarity, orientation, and package types.
Validate machine programs and placement accuracy.
Perform and inspect first-article builds to ensure compliance before full production runs.
Inspect solder paste deposition and fine-tune print parameters (alignment, pressure, speed) as needed.
Monitor for common placement defects such as tombstoning, skew, insufficient solder, and bridging.
Review and verify reflow oven profiles and thermal parameters.
Identify root causes of placement and soldering defects and implement corrective actions.
Make minor equipment adjustments to optimize quality, minimize downtime, and support ongoing yield improvement efforts.
Conduct in-process inspections in accordance with IPC-A-610 standards.
Maintain lot traceability and proper material handling controls.
Document nonconformances, root causes, and resolutions; escalate issues promptly when required.
Adhere to ESD protocols and safe component handling practices.
Accurately record production data in ERP/MES systems.
Perform routine preventive maintenance on SMT equipment.
Replace nozzles, clean stencils, and resolve placement errors or jams.
Troubleshoot feeder malfunctions, vision system faults, pick errors, and related issues.
Partner with engineering teams on program refinements and process enhancements.