SMT Pick-and-Place Line Operator

A day on our SMT line

You open the shift by aligning solder paste stencils and dialing in a smooth, even print across every aperture. Feeders are stocked and verified — values, polarity, and placement double-checked against program and print. With the line humming, you monitor first-article results and in-process boards against IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 Class 3 criteria, tuning the process and diagnosing any defects that surface.

Throughout the run, you maintain accurate process documentation, confirm the correct programs and revisions are called out on routers, and compare routings to the prints to ensure consistency. You keep a vigilant eye on floor-stock items like solder paste — tracking expiration dates and flagging low or expired materials to your Lead or Supervisor.

Quality never takes a back seat. You perform X-ray inspections using AXI or Glenbrook systems, complete rework on the Air-Vac rework machine, and carry out precise hand soldering and touch-up under a scope. When a new product introduction lands, you partner with engineers and technicians to set up and push NPI builds through each soldering process. Preventive maintenance is part of your rhythm: cleaning, following PM schedules, and knowing when deeper service is required. Your growing command of machine parameters and programs helps you optimize cycle time and deliver on schedule, per print and routing.

What you’ll bring

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting SMT equipment; skill soldering under a microscope.
• Familiarity with programming SMT equipment (highly desirable).
• Ability to follow detailed process/program documentation and read blueprints fluently; strong oral and written communication.
• Commitment to meeting IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 Class 3 acceptance criteria.

Certifications and qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, plus at least one year of similar manufacturing experience.
• Must pass J-STD and IPC-610 certification to perform Surface Mount Machine Operator duties.

Physical reality of the work

• Primarily standing with repetitive motions; occasional sitting, twisting, and stooping.
• Work around chemicals; exposure to odors and warm temperatures.
• Pre-hire and biennial visual exams confirming 20/20 acuity (with or without glasses) and standard color vision.
• Comfort performing fine work under a scope.

Core responsibilities snapshot

• Stencil alignment and consistent solder paste application.
• Feeder replenishment and component control; verify positioning, values, and polarity.
• Inspection, defect diagnosis, and documentation to Class 3 standards.
• Program/revision verification on routers; compare routings to prints.
• Inventory vigilance on solder paste and other consumables; escalate when low/expired.
• Preventive maintenance, cleaning, and escalation for additional service.
• X-ray inspection (AXI or Glenbrook), Air-Vac rework, hand soldering/tinning under scope.
• Partner with Engineering/Techs to run NPI builds; train/orient peers as needed.

Proficiencies that help you thrive

• Equipment and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Material handling experience.
• CNC machine setup and changeover.
• Blueprint reading.

Tools and technologies you may encounter

• AXI or Glenbrook X-ray systems; Air-Vac rework equipment; soldering stations and microscopes.
• Facility equipment exposure: CNC lathe (2–4 axis) and press brake.