SMT Operator I (2nd Shift) – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

SMT Operator I (2nd Shift) – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

Location: Seymour, CT

Shift: 2nd Shift

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: SMT Manufacturing Operations

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Position Overview

The SMT Operator I (2nd Shift) operates and monitors automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly equipment, including solder paste screen printers, solder paste inspection (SPI) systems, high-speed pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens. Working in coordination with the Group Leader, Setup Technician, and Parts Coordinator, this individual loads, runs, and monitors PCBA production jobs while adhering to safety, quality, and workmanship standards in a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• SMT Line Operation & Machine Setup:
  

  • Setup, run, and tear down solder paste screen printers; load stencils, verify paste alignment, and monitor solder paste replenishment throughout the shift.
    

  • Load, inspect, and unload printed circuit boards across screen printers, SPI platforms, pick-and-place systems, and reflow ovens.
    

  • Load and stage component feeders onto pick-and-place carts/lines; perform minor program editing and parameter verification as directed.
    

  • Recall and confirm appropriate thermal reflow oven profiles corresponding to specific assembly part numbers.
    

  • Perform required daily operator-level preventive maintenance and cleaning on line equipment.
    

• Material Handling & Quality Control:
  

  • Utilize feeder-tracking and line management systems (e.g., Fuji-trax) to verify feeder setup, component traceability, and reel changes.
    

  • Track and manage work-in-progress (WIP) component inventory assigned to active SMT production jobs.
    

  • Perform manual hand placement of delicate or non-standard surface-mount components as required.
    

  • Identify and classify electronic component packages, values, and polarity markings accurately to avoid line mix-ups.
    

  • Log job transactions, tracking data, and operational notes accurately using the Manufacturing Execution System / Shop Floor Tracking software (Aegis MIS).
    

• Collaboration, Training & Safety:
  

  • Coordinate closely with line leads, material handlers, and quality inspectors to maintain balanced board flow and eliminate downtime.
    

  • Solve routine operational problems independently, escalating complex equipment or quality disruptions to supervisory personnel promptly.
    

  • Assist in training incoming operators on basic board setup, line loading, and standardized teardown routines.
    

  • Adhere strictly to workplace safety regulations, OSHA standards, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protocols.
    

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 0 to 3 years of related electronic assembly or SMT machine operation experience (1+ years preferred; mechanical or electronic manufacturing aptitude welcome).
  

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
  

• Certifications & Training:
  

  • Component Identification training required.
    

  • IPC-A-610 Certification is preferred.
    

• Technical & System Skills:
  

  • Working knowledge of or ability to learn Shop Floor Tracking Systems (Aegis MIS).
    

  • Familiarity with component feeder tracking software (such as Fuji-trax) and data analysis tools is a plus.
    

  • Basic computer literacy to navigate operating folders, select build files, and execute equipment startup/shutdown.
    

• Core Competencies:
  

  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow written work instructions, schematics, and standard operating procedures.
    

  • Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division across whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
    

  • Effective verbal and written English communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively under time-sensitive production schedules.
    

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Manufacturing floor environment with active, automated assembly lines.
  

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach, and use hands/fingers to handle fine components and feed reels.
  

• Specific visual requirements include close vision, color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
  

• Frequently lift and move up to 10 lbs; occasionally lift and move up to 25 lbs.
  

• Mandatory compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines, including ESD-safe coats, heel straps, and wrist grounders in designated production areas.