SMT Operator

About Company:

NuWaves is a prominent provider of RF Products and Design Services in the Aerospace & Defense Industry. With a passion for providing superior customer support, growing employees, and delivering quality product, NuWaves has accomplished 25 years in business as of August 2025. With products that save lives, we know our employees and our culture matter. We are seeking A-players in every position to support continued growth. Come join our team of A-players if you are ready to solve fun problems, enjoy work, and bring results!

About the Role:

The SMT Operator plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by operating and maintaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment to assemble electronic components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) with precision and efficiency. This position ensures that production targets are met while maintaining high-quality standards and adhering to safety protocols. The SMT Operator is responsible for setting up machines, loading materials, monitoring the production process, and performing routine maintenance to minimize downtime. Attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues promptly are essential to prevent defects and ensure product reliability. Ultimately, the SMT Operator contributes to the seamless manufacturing workflow, supporting the delivery of high-quality electronic products to customers in a timely manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience operating SMT equipment or in a manufacturing environment is preferred but not mandatory.
• Basic understanding of electronic components and PCB assembly processes.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, process documentation, and basic technical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or formal training in SMT operation or electronics assembly.
• Experience with specific SMT machines such as pick-and-place systems (Fuji AIMEX II), solder paste printers, AOI (Koh Young), and reflow ovens.
• Familiarity with IPC standards related to electronic assembly.
• Basic troubleshooting skills for mechanical and electronic equipment.
• Experience working in a lean manufacturing or continuous improvement environment.

Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate SMT machines including pick-and-place equipment, solder paste printers, and reflow ovens according to production specifications.
• Load and unload materials such as PCBs, components, and solder paste, ensuring proper handling to avoid damage or contamination.
• Monitor the SMT production process continuously to detect and resolve issues such as misalignment, component placement errors, or machine malfunctions.
• Perform routine cleaning, calibration, and preventive maintenance on SMT equipment to maintain optimal performance and reduce downtime.
• Inspect assembled PCBs for quality assurance, identifying defects and collaborating with quality control teams to implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate production records and report any deviations or incidents to supervisors promptly.
• Adhere strictly to safety guidelines and company policies to ensure a safe working environment.

Skills:

The SMT Operator utilizes technical skills daily to set up and operate complex SMT machinery, ensuring precise placement of electronic components on PCBs. Attention to detail is critical when inspecting boards and monitoring machine output to maintain high-quality standards and reduce defects. Troubleshooting skills are applied to quickly identify and resolve equipment malfunctions or process deviations, minimizing production downtime. Communication skills are important for collaborating with team members and reporting issues to supervisors effectively. Additionally, organizational skills help the operator maintain accurate production records and manage workflow efficiently within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

EOE Disability/vet.