SMT Technician

ITW•Appleton, WI

51d

About The Position

The SMT Technician is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment used in PCB assembly. This role ensures high-quality production output through machine setup, process monitoring, and preventive maintenance. The SMT Technician plays a key role in sustaining efficient manufacturing operations and meeting daily production schedules.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED; technical certificate or associate degree preferred.
5-7 years of experience in SMT production or PCB assembly environment.
Working knowledge of SMT processes, solder paste applications, reflow profiles, and inspection methods.
Experience with equipment such as Mydata/Mycronic, DEK/MPM Printer, Nordson AOI, or similar SMT platforms.
Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

IPC-A-610 or IPC-7711/7721 certification.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and 5S practices.
Associate degree in Electronics, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field applicable to SMT operations, or pursuing degree

Responsibilities

SMT Machine Operation Set up, operate, and monitor SMT production equipment such as: Pick-and-place machines Solder paste printers Reflow ovens AOI/AXI inspection systems
Verify correct materials, feeders, stencils, and programs prior to production runs.
Perform changeovers efficiently to support production schedules.
Quality Control & Inspection Inspect PCBs for solder quality, component alignment, polarity, and placement accuracy.
Perform hand soldering and rework of SMT and through‑hole components following IPC standards.
Perform basic and advanced AOI review to validate defects and escalate issues when needed.
Ensure adherence to IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance Diagnose and correct SMT machine errors, feeder issues, solder paste defects, and pick/place alignment problems.
Perform routine preventive maintenance in line with equipment guidelines.
Collaborate with engineering to resolve process issues and improve yields.
Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate logs of machine performance, downtime, and maintenance.
Update work instructions and process documents as needed.
Report material shortages, quality issues, and equipment malfunctions promptly.
Process Support Lead NPI (New Product Introduction) builds, including program verification and first-article inspection.
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, scrap reduction, and quality enhancement.
Ensure compliance with ESD handling procedures and safety protocols.
Create and manage daily job schedules to support high efficiency, optimize machine utilization, and meet production targets.
Support equipment operators by providing guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and ensuring proper machine setup and workflow readiness.