SMT Technician

Northwood Space • Los Angeles, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company developing advanced communications technology and a global network of phased-array ground stations for satellite missions. The SMT Technician will own the setup, programming, and performance of the surface-mount line across production and new product introduction (NPI) builds. The role supports delivery of reliable electronics on schedule and at scale by keeping print, placement, reflow, and inspection equipment operating effectively, identifying defects before they move downstream, and working with Engineering to make new designs repeatable, high-yield builds.

This position is on-site five days per week. Extended hours and weekends may be required. The role involves repetitive assembly operations and physical activities including grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying, including lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds unassisted. To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship, residency, protected-individual, or authorization eligibility criteria.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 5 years of experience in SMT electronics manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience operating and setting up SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow equipment, and inspection equipment.
• Experience programming or editing programs on SMT placement or inspection equipment.
• Experience working from travelers, bills of materials (BOMs), work instructions, and assembly drawings.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Must be on-site five days per week.
• Must meet the stated U.S. Government space technology export-regulation eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001.
• Experience with Fuji placement, Heller reflow, and Nordson CyberOptics SPI/AOI equipment.
• Experience in high-reliability, aerospace, or IPC Class 3 electronics manufacturing.
• Experience with fine-pitch and BGA components, including X-ray inspection of hidden solder joints.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, SPI, AOI, and X-ray equipment; perform feeder setup, component verification, and changeovers according to work instructions.
• Create, debug, and optimize programs for pick-and-place, screen printer, SPI, AOI, and X-ray equipment.
• Configure and tune process parameters, including nozzles, conveyor speeds, print settings, and reflow profiles.
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and repairs, and partner with Engineering to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Inspect solder quality using microscopes, AOI, and X-ray to IPC-A-610 standards; document defects and root causes.
• Support production and NPI builds, assist technicians and Engineering with technical issues, and improve SOPs and processes continuously.

What This Job Offers

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