SMT Technician

The SMT Technician provides high-level technical support for Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines. Positioned as the primary technical liaison between SMT Operators and Process Engineering, this role is responsible for the continuous optimization of automated assembly equipment, advanced machine troubleshooting, and the execution of complex product changeovers. The incumbent ensures that production remains within defined quality and throughput parameters, resolving technical variances before they necessitate engineering intervention. This position requires proficiency in the utilization of Surface Mount Technology equipment, including, but not limited to, pick-and-place machines, screen printers, reflow ovens, Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) and Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) machines.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate various SMT machines, including pick and place, screen printers, reflow ovens, and automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, according to work instructions and process specifications.
• Load and unload feeders with electronic components, ensuring correct component orientation and placement.
• Verify component reels and part numbers against the bill of materials (BOM) to prevent errors.
• Perform routine maintenance on SMT equipment, including cleaning, lubrication, and basic troubleshooting.
• Conduct visual inspections of assembled PCB’s to identify placement errors, solder defects, or missing components.
• Collaborate with other SMT team members, technicians, and engineers to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Set up & modify reflow profiles as necessary.
• Serve as the primary technical responder for all line-down events
• Assist Process Engineers in the implementation of New Product Introductions (NPI), providing feedback on stencil design, feeder mapping, and thermal profiling
• Document process deviations and provide detailed root-cause analysis reports to Quality as needed

Essential Responsibilities:

• Ability to interpret and apply industry standards, engineering drawings, and specifications accurately.
• Program, Debug, Setup, Operate and Maintain: Pick & Place equipment, Reflow Ovens, Screen Printers, Solder Paste Inspection & AOI equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting equipment errors, and fixing feeder issues.
• Inspect PCBs for defects (solder paste, component placement) and ensuring compliance with IPC-A-610 standards
• Assist engineers with reflow profiling, optimizing production, and reducing scrap rates
• Use AOI, X-ray, and inspection equipment to identify and rectify SMT defects
• Capable of identifying electronic components and their values through data sheets and use of multimeters.
• Ability to perform detailed work under magnification.
• Provide consistent and constructive feedback to SMT lines to improve product quality.
• Promptly communicate any process or component deviations to SMT machine operators and technical support for immediate resolution.
• Analyze and interpret Engineering Change Notices.
• Accurately input inspection data into ERP system
• Mentor and guide coworkers/new hires as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Maintain compliance with company safety policies by adhering to all established safety protocols and ESD procedures to protect sensitive electronic components.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Computer literacy is essential, along with the ability to read, write, review, and approve documentation.
• Participate in company-sponsored and specialized training programs to enhance skills and professional development.
• The job description is not exhaustive and may include additional duties as assigned and as business needs dictate.

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Significant hands-on experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 5 years of experience in SMT manufacturing. At least 2 years in a “Lead” or “Senior Technician” role with direct responsibility for machine troubleshooting and line uptime.
• Solder paste inspection, Reflow oven experience and AOI/Xray system experience preferred
• Demonstrated working knowledge of IPC A 610, and J-STD standards is required.

Pulled from the full job description

• Referral program
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance