Surface Mount Operator

Position
:
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment Operator / Process Technician

Location: Mesa, AZ
Pay Rate: $18–$23 per hour (DOE)
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire / Long-Term Opportunity

Express Employment Professionals – Mesa is seeking an experienced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment Operator to support and enhance PCB assembly operations for a growing electronics manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a seasoned SMT professional with strong hands‑on machine operation experience who can also contribute to process development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of SMT experience.

• Set up, program, and operate surface mount pick-and-place machines to ensure accurate and efficient component placement.
• Set up and operate automatic stencil printers, including alignment verification and solder paste inspection.
• Set up, profile, and operate convection reflow ovens to meet product and process specifications.
• Perform manual component placement, touch‑up, and rework as required.
• Conduct in‑process and final inspections of populated printed circuit boards in accordance with IPC‑A‑610 standards.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on SMT equipment to minimize downtime.
• Assist in establishing, documenting, and improving SMT assembly processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Read and interpret assembly drawings, travelers, and process documentation.
• Accurately identify electronic components and maintain strict component traceability and inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with ESD, ISO 9001, and AS9100 quality system requirements.
• Communicate effectively with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues and improve throughput.

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience operating SMT equipment in a production environment.
• Proven experience with pick‑and‑place, stencil printing, and reflow oven operations.
• Assemble on and Yamaha equipment experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards, ESD controls, and ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems.
• Strong ability to read, understand, and follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to identify electronic components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, polarity‑sensitive parts, etc.).
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to accurately count and track parts.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team‑based manufacturing goals.