Smt Operator

SMT Operator / Assembler

This full-time SMT Operator/Assembler role supports surface mount electronics production at a manufacturing facility in Westerville, OH. You will set up, operate, and monitor equipment used to assemble printed circuit boards, including stencil printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and related production tools. You will verify materials, follow detailed documentation, and ensure products meet quality and workmanship standards while working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor SMT production equipment, including pick-and-place machines, solder paste printers, reflow ovens, board washing equipment, and related tools.
• Load feeders and verify electronic components against bills of materials, work orders, customer documentation, and internal work instructions.
• Confirm correct part numbers, polarity, orientation, package sizes, feeder locations, and component quantities before and during production.
• Monitor machine operation and identify placement issues, misfeeds, missing components, alignment problems, or other process concerns, and take appropriate corrective actions or escalate as needed.
• Inspect printed circuit board assemblies before, during, and after SMT processing using visual inspection tools, magnification, and microscopes.
• Perform hand placement of components and manual adjustments on printed circuit boards as required.
• Assist with first-piece checks, in-process inspections, and completion of production documentation and travelers.
• Communicate discrepancies in bills of materials, drawings, component markings, work instructions, or machine programs to the designated lead or production leadership.
• Follow IPC workmanship standards, company quality procedures, safety requirements, and customer-specific requirements throughout all production activities.
• Support quick-turn prototype builds, low-volume production, and higher-volume manufacturing runs as needed based on customer and production demands.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper handling and storage of components and materials.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, engineering, and management personnel to meet customer deadlines and quality expectations.
• Use basic computer systems to access work instructions, production documentation, and machine-related information.
• Handle circuit boards and small electronic components safely, using appropriate tools and techniques to prevent damage.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience in SMT operation, electronics assembly, machine operation, or a similar hands-on manufacturing role.
• Ability to read and follow bills of materials, work instructions, assembly drawings, travelers, and production documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify incorrect parts, polarity issues, misaligned components, solder defects, and workmanship concerns.
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and escalate issues when information is unclear or discrepancies are found.
• Comfort working with small electronic components and printed circuit boards.
• Basic computer skills for accessing work instructions, production documentation, and machine-related information.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, use hand tools, handle circuit boards safely, and lift moderate weights as needed.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.
• Hands-on skills in assembly, soldering, electronic assembly, wiring, SMT, surface mount, and SMT assembly.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and perform basic mechanical assembly tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating SMT pick-and-place machines.
• Experience loading feeders and verifying electronic components for SMT production.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Hand soldering, rework, or inspection experience.
• Experience using AOI systems, microscopes, magnifiers, calipers, or other inspection tools.
• Familiarity with electronic component identification, including polarity markings, resistor and capacitor values, IC orientation, and PCB assembly processes.
• Experience in quick-turn,…