SMT Technician

Job Summary

The SMT (Surface Mount Technology) Technician supports high-volume electronics manufacturing by operating, setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting SMT production equipment and processes. This role ensures stable production line performance, product quality, and operational efficiency through equipment optimization, preventive maintenance, and collaboration with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot SMT equipment including solder paste printers, SPI systems, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI systems, conveyors, and loaders/unloaders.
• Perform line changeovers, feeder setup, program verification, and first-piece checks according to SOPs and work instructions.
• Monitor machine performance, respond to alarms, and support quick recovery to minimize production downtime.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) and basic repairs on SMT equipment; coordinate escalations and vendor support when necessary.
• Verify and adjust process parameters such as printer alignment, paste volume, placement accuracy, and reflow profiles to maintain product yield and quality.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) trials, engineering builds, and process validation activities.
• Perform material verification, feeder management, and component handling in accordance with ESD and traceability requirements.
• Document issues, actions taken, and maintenance records in logbooks or system tools; support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, 5S standards, ESD controls, and quality requirements.
• Provide guidance and training to production operators on basic machine operation, alarms, and quality checkpoints when assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or certification preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in SMT or PCBA manufacturing environments, preferably in high-volume production.
• Hands-on experience operating SMT equipment and using standard technical tools such as hand tools, torque tools, and multimeters.
• Basic knowledge of ESD controls, SMT process flow, and quality inspection standards.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, work instructions, and basic technical drawings.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and support multiple production lines.
• Willingness to work overtime or weekends when required by production schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with SMT platforms such as Fuji, Panasonic, ASM/Siplace, Juki, or Yamaha.
• Experience with equipment such as DEK or MPM printers, Koh Young SPI/AOI, Omron AOI, or Heller/BTU reflow ovens.
• Basic understanding of reflow profiling and solder defect troubleshooting (e.g., tombstoning, bridging, insufficient solder, misplacement).
• Familiarity with traceability systems or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

Key Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and equipment problem-solving skills.
  
• Attention to detail and quality awareness.
  
• Ability to follow technical procedures and production standards.
  
• Effective communication and teamwork.
  
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an electronics manufacturing environment with SMT production equipment. The role may require standing or walking for extended periods and lifting materials up to 25–35 lbs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ESD protection may be required when working in designated production areas.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the job.

Salcomp Manufacturing USA Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.