SMT Setup Operator (Second Shift)
About The Position
As an SMT Setup Operator at Rocket EMS, you will prepare materials, feeders, and equipment for surface mount technology production. You will ensure that each SMT job is set up accurately and efficiently according to the bill of materials, machine program, setup documentation, and customer requirements. The role works closely with SMT Operators, Material Handling, Quality, Engineering, and Production to support timely line changeovers, accurate component placement, complete material traceability, and reliable PCBA production. The role supports high-reliability electronics manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and advanced technology programs. Accurate SMT setup contributes to product quality, equipment utilization, on-time delivery, and mission success. Due to the nature of work performed at Rocket EMS, the position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization. Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer has been made. A final offer may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.
Requirements
- Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow bills of materials, setup sheets, and written work instructions.
- Ability to identify electronic components, package types, polarity markings, part numbers, and reference designators.
- Basic computer and barcode-scanning skills.
- Ability to recognize and promptly communicate component, material, feeder, or documentation discrepancies.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to learn multiple equipment platforms, customer requirements, and production processes.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move component reels, feeders, and setup carts.
- Must be eligible to access export-controlled information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for required government authorization.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience with SMT setup, feeder preparation, electronics manufacturing, or material handling.
- Familiarity with SMT component reels, feeders, trolleys, pick-and-place equipment, and machine setup documentation.
- Understanding of ESD, MSD, component traceability, and material-control requirements.
- Familiarity with IPC-A-610 or other electronics manufacturing standards.
Responsibilities
- Review production schedules, travelers, bills of materials, setup sheets, and machine load lists before each setup.
- Stage component reels, trays, tubes, feeders, and trolleys for scheduled SMT production jobs.
- Verify component part numbers, quantities, package types, lot information, polarity, orientation, and feeder locations against approved setup documentation.
- Load component reels into feeders and install feeders onto trolleys or feeder carts according to machine setup and program requirements.
- Scan and record materials, feeders, and production information to maintain component traceability.
- Prepare complete offline setups to minimize machine downtime and support efficient product changeovers.
- Assist with loading, verifying, and changing over SMT pick-and-place equipment.
- Remove feeders and materials after production runs; identify, package, and return unused components to appropriate storage.
- Follow ESD and MSD handling requirements, including floor-life and dry-storage controls.
- Inspect feeders, reels, splices, and component packaging for damage, contamination, or other production-affecting conditions.
- Identify and report material shortages, incorrect components, damaged feeders, documentation discrepancies, and other setup-related issues.
- Support feeder cleaning, basic feeder maintenance, and replacement of worn or damaged feeder components as authorized.
- Maintain clean, organized, clearly identified setup and staging areas in accordance with 5S requirements.
- Communicate job status, shortages, setup concerns, and shift pass-down information to SMT Operators, leads, supervisors, and affected departments.
- Follow travelers, manufacturing process instructions, work instructions, quality requirements, and safety procedures.
- Support continuous improvement efforts to reduce setup errors, shorten changeover times, and improve line utilization.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
