SMT specialist
About The Position
The SMT Specialist is responsible for the setup, operation, optimization, and troubleshooting of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes to ensure high-quality, efficient, and repeatable PCB assembly production. This role supports daily production, new product introductions (NPI), and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced, high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has deep hands-on SMT experience, strong process knowledge, and the ability to independently resolve line issues while supporting operators, engineers, and quality teams.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certification preferred.
- 3+ years of hands-on SMT experience in a PCBA manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of SMT processes, components, and materials.
- Experience with SMT equipment (pick-and-place, printers, reflow, AOI).
- Ability to read and interpret MPIs, schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings.
- Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 preferred).
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a production environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
- Willingness to support flexible schedules or off-shift builds as needed.
Nice To Haves
- IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification.
- Experience in high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing.
- NPI and engineering build support experience.
- Exposure to AOI programming, feeder maintenance, or stencil optimization.
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and support SMT equipment including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI, and supporting automation.
- Verify and adjust process parameters to ensure compliance with MPIs, ECOs, and customer requirements.
- Perform line changeovers, feeder setup, stencil installation, and program verification.
- Monitor line performance and proactively address issues impacting yield, quality, or throughput.
- Diagnose and resolve SMT process defects such as insufficient/excess solder, tombstoning, skew, bridging, and placement errors.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for SMT-related defects.
- Work closely with Quality and Manufacturing Engineering to implement process improvements.
- Perform first article verification and assist with line qualifications and validations.
- Support new product introductions (NPI), engineering builds, and pilot runs.
- Provide feedback on DFM/DFA issues and assist with process optimization.
- Assist with stencil design feedback, component package challenges, and placement strategies.
- Ensure all SMT processes comply with IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001, and customer specifications.
- Maintain ESD, MSD, safety, and housekeeping standards.
- Accurately document process changes, deviations, and pass-downs.
- Train and support SMT operators on proper setup, operation, and best practices.
- Serve as a technical resource for operators and leads during shifts.
- Promote standard work and consistent process execution across all SMT lines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
