Smt Operator

Job Title:

SMT / Selective Wave Soldering Operator Job Description

The SMT / Selective Wave Soldering Operator sets up, programs, operates, and maintains selective and wave soldering equipment used in PCB assembly. You support production by ensuring high‑quality solder joints, consistent throughput, and strict adherence to IPC and internal quality standards. This role suits someone with SMT machine operation or electronics manufacturing experience who enjoys working with precision machinery and structured production workflows.

• Set up selective and wave soldering machines by loading solder pallets, fixtures, flux, solder bars, and assemblies, and verifying that all tooling and configurations match job requirements.
• Program soldering equipment by creating, modifying, and optimizing soldering programs, including nozzle paths, preheat profiles, conveyor speeds, and solder parameters.
• Operate selective and wave soldering machines during production runs, monitor performance, adjust process parameters as needed, and ensure consistent solder quality and throughput.
• Monitor the soldering process by inspecting solder joints, verifying proper wetting, identifying bridging, skips, or other defects, and making real‑time corrections to maintain quality.
• Perform visual inspection of solder joints and assemblies in accordance with IPC‑A‑610 and other applicable standards, document defects, and work with quality teams to resolve issues.
• Carry out routine maintenance on soldering equipment, including cleaning nozzles, maintaining flux systems, checking solder pot levels, and performing basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Support the SMT production line as needed, including assisting with upstream and downstream processes such as reflow, AOI, hand soldering, and related PCB assembly activities.
• Accurately document machine settings, lot numbers, maintenance activities, and production data to support traceability and continuous improvement.
• Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, and quality standards while maintaining an organized and clean work area.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to resolve production issues, support cross‑training, and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Minimum 1 year of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably in SMT production, selective soldering, or selective wave soldering operations.
• Hands‑on experience with SMT and through‑hole processes, including SMT soldering, through‑hole soldering, and PCBA assembly.
• Ability to perform soldering, testing, and rework on electronic assemblies while maintaining high quality standards.
• Knowledge of IPC standards and requirements, including IPC‑A‑610, IPC J‑STD‑001, and IPC‑A‑600, with the ability to apply these in daily work.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, drawings, and related technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to document inspections, describe defects clearly, and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• High level of attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple activities concurrently in a production environment with ongoing interruptions.
• Organized and detail‑oriented approach with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Ability to accurately distinguish different colours, as required for component and indicator identification.
• Flexibility and adaptability to support different tasks and priorities on the production floor.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented, collaborative environment.

• Previous experience as a selective soldering or selective wave soldering operator in a PCB assembly environment.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and general assembly processes in electronics manufacturing.
• IPC certification or training related to IPC‑A‑610, IPC J‑STD‑001, or IPC‑A‑600 is an asset.
• Experience with reflow, AOI, hand soldering, and other SMT line support activities.
• Comfort working with precision machinery, automated soldering equipment, and established production workflows.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to…