AOI Operator I – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

AOI Operator I – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

Location: Seymour, CT

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Quality Inspection / SMT Manufacturing

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Position Overview

The AOI Operator I is responsible for operating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment to identify and classify soldering, placement, and component anomalies on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Operating within a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment, this role sets up inspection recipes, loads and runs production boards, records defect logs, and assists with operator cross-training to support first-pass yield and quality compliance.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation & Program Execution:
  

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment according to established manufacturing standards and build schedules.
    

  • Select, load, and verify proper inspection programs matching specific PCBA part numbers and revision levels.
    

  • Safely load, index, run, and unload boards through the inspection process while preventing mechanical and electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
    

  • Code or modify basic equipment programs and routine parameters as required to optimize inspection performance.
    

• Defect Classification & Data Logging:
  

  • Perform optical and automated inspection to identify assembly anomalies (e.g., misalignments, bridging, solder balls, tombstoning, incorrect polarity, and missing or inverted parts).
    

  • Record defects, false calls, and inspection dispositions accurately using the Manufacturing Execution System / Shop Floor Tracking software (Aegis MIS).
    

  • Address routine mechanical feed issues and escalate systemic or recurring quality trends to supervisors and manufacturing engineers.
    

• Training, Collaboration & Safety:
  

  • Assist in training and mentoring incoming or peer AOI operators on standard operating procedures and inspection standards.
    

  • Communicate proactively and courteously with SMT line operators, hand solder technicians, and line leads.
    

  • Maintain steady inspection pacing under production schedule deadlines.
    

  • Adhere strictly to company safety standards, OSHA guidelines, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) procedures.
    

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Experience:
  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
    

  • 0 to 3 years of related industry experience in electronics manufacturing, SMT assembly, or quality inspection.
    

• Certifications & Training:
  

  • IPC-A-610 Certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
    

  • Component Identification training required (resistors, capacitors, diodes, IC packages, polarity markings).
    

• Technical & System Skills:
  

  • Working knowledge of or direct proficiency with Shop Floor Tracking Systems / MIS (e.g., Aegis).
    

  • Basic computer proficiency (navigating directory structures, application launch, and system shutdown).
    

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

• Core Competencies:
  

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or schematic form.
    

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
    

  • Positive, cooperative approach to team problem-solving and process adjustments.
    

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach, and handle fine components.
  

• Requires specific visual capabilities including close vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  

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

• Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts; occasional exposure to airborne particles, chemical fumes, or low-level vibration.
  

• Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ESD protection (ESD smocks, heel grounders, and wrist straps) per OSHA and facility requirements.