SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTION:
The Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining AOI equipment used in the manufacturing and inspection of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This position ensures that all products meet customer specifications, industry standards, and company quality requirements by identifying, verifying, and documenting defects throughout the manufacturing process.
The AOI Operator plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, minimizing defects, reducing scrap, and supporting efficient production operations while adhering to established safety, quality, and manufacturing procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Set up, operate, and monitor Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment to inspect printed circuit boards for manufacturing defects.
- Perform AOI inspections according to customer specifications, engineering drawings, work instructions, and established quality standards.
- Identify and verify defects, including opens, shorts, missing or incorrect features, trace defects, spacing violations, and other PCB manufacturing irregularities.
- Review AOI inspection results and distinguish actual defects from false calls to ensure accurate defect identification.
- Perform visual inspections using microscopes, magnification equipment, and other inspection tools as necessary.
- Load and unload printed circuit boards into AOI equipment while ensuring proper handling to prevent damage.
- Verify correct job setup, inspection programs, product identification, and inspection parameters before beginning production.
- Make authorized adjustments to AOI inspection settings and programs to improve inspection accuracy and minimize false calls.
- Communicate identified defects, quality concerns, and equipment issues to the Production Supervisor, Quality Department, or appropriate management representative.
- Accurately document inspection results, defects, production quantities, and other required information in company tracking systems and production records.
- Segregate and properly identify nonconforming products in accordance with company procedures.
- Coordinate with production personnel and Quality Control to ensure defective products are properly evaluated and dispositioned.
- Follow established procedures for handling, storing, and transporting printed circuit boards to prevent damage or contamination.
- Maintain accurate records of inspected boards, accepted products, rejected products, and rework requirements.
- Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, and basic operator-level maintenance to ensure proper equipment operation.
- Report equipment malfunctions or abnormal operating conditions to the appropriate personnel.
- Read, understand, and follow manufacturing travelers, engineering drawings, customer specifications, and applicable work instructions.
- Comply with applicable IPC standards, ISO procedures, and company quality management system requirements.
- Follow all company safety policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), chemical safety procedures where applicable, and safe equipment operation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with company housekeeping and 5S standards.
- Meet established production schedules, quality objectives, and departmental performance expectations.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving inspection accuracy, reducing defects, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
- Assist with training new AOI Operators as directed by management.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience in PCB manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, or quality inspection preferred.
- Experience operating Automated Optical Inspection equipment preferred.
- Familiarity with PCB fabrication processes and common manufacturing defects preferred.
- Experience working in an ISO-certified manufacturing environment is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Basic understanding of printed circuit board manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
- Ability to identify common PCB defects, including opens, shorts, damaged traces, and other visual irregularities.
- Ability to read and interpret manufacturing travelers, engineering drawings, and written work instructions.
- Basic computer skills and ability to operate computerized inspection equipment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive inspection tasks accurately.
- Ability to use microscopes, magnifying equipment, and other visual inspection tools.
- Ability to maintain accurate production and inspection records.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, Quality Control personnel, and production team members.
- Willingness to learn new inspection equipment, manufacturing processes, and quality procedures.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while maintaining established production and quality standards.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.
- Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements when handling printed circuit boards and operating inspection equipment.
- Ability to visually inspect small PCB features and defects, with or without corrective lenses.
- Ability to distinguish colors and identify fine details necessary to perform essential inspection functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive movements associated with manufacturing operations.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment, machinery noise, and other typical industrial conditions.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as necessary.
QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
The AOI Operator is expected to consistently demonstrate the following:
- Inspection Accuracy: Accurately identify and verify defects to prevent nonconforming products from advancing through production.
- Product Quality: Ensure inspected PCBs meet applicable customer specifications and internal quality standards.
- Production Efficiency: Complete inspections within established production schedules while maintaining quality requirements.
- Documentation Accuracy: Maintain complete and accurate inspection and production records.
- Equipment Reliability: Properly operate and maintain inspection equipment and promptly report operating issues.
- Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving first-pass yield, and minimizing inspection errors.
- Safety Compliance: Consistently follow company safety policies, operating procedures, and workplace standards.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position operates primarily within a PCB manufacturing facility. The employee will regularly work around automated inspection equipment, manufacturing machinery, production materials, and other industrial equipment. The position requires sustained attention to detail, repetitive inspection activities, and adherence to strict quality and production requirements.