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# Manufacturing Technician - SMT Lead

- **Company:** J W Patton Co Inc
- **Location:** Gaithersburg, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Configuration Management, Data Analytics
- **Published:** October 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/1_bsub58938-616222934

## About the Role

Required Qualifications - 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation. - Proficiency with stencil print, placement, reflow profiling, and AOI. - Strong soldering/inspection skills to IPC-A-610; capable of basic SMT rework. - Experience with work instructions, routings, and ERP systems. - Ability to lead operators while performing hands-on work.
Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's in Engineering or equivalent experience. - Hands-on DFM experience, panelization, and capability studies. - Knowledge of IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620 and ISO 9001.
Attributes - Player-coach mindset, data-driven, strong ownership, and cross-functional communication skills.
Working Conditions - On-site manufacturing; standing for extended periods; handling small components; lifting up to 30 lbs.

## Description

Description: Patton is seeking a hands-on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer who will own our SMT cell end-to-end-planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement.
This player-coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.
Key Responsibilities Daily Line Leadership (Lead Operator) - Plan and execute daily SMT schedule; organize kitting, feeder setup, first-article builds, and line changeovers. - Operate and oversee stencil printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and stencil cleaning per manufacturer guidance and Patton procedures. - Perform first-article inspection, AOI review/verification, and in-process checks to IPC-A-610 standards. - Train and mentor operators/technicians; enforce ESD, safety, and 5S. Process & Manufacturing Engineering - Develop and maintain SMT processes including solder paste selection, print parameters, placement optimization, reflow profiling, and AOI programming. - Generate and maintain work instructions, setup docs, and process control plans; drive DFM with Design Engineering. - Specify, program, and improve automated equipment; define preventive maintenance and calibration plans. - Establish and sustain standards/routings in ERP and ensure BOM/routing alignment. - Lead
root-cause/corrective action for defects and drive yield/cycle-time improvements.
Quality, Compliance & Readiness - Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620. - Support NPI transfers, build readiness reviews, and configuration control.