SMT Operators HIRING IMMEDIATLEY

Job Title: SMT Operator

Job Description

The SMT Operator plays a key role in a clean, high-tech electronics manufacturing environment, operating and maintaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment to produce complex, high-quality printed circuit board assemblies. This role involves independently running automated assembly lines, ensuring adherence to industry standards, and supporting reliable production for demanding applications such as aerospace, defense, medical electronics, and industrial power.

Responsibilities

• Operate SMT equipment safely and efficiently to produce high-quality printed circuit board assemblies.
• Independently operate SMT automatic assembly equipment, including screen printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens.
• Perform preventive and routine maintenance on SMT and other production equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Set up SMT production runs by following set-up lists, assembly instructions, and assembly notes accurately.
• Prepare and load electronic components into feeders, ensuring correct orientation and placement for automated assembly.
• Follow ESD handling procedures for sensitive electronic devices in accordance with ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007.
• Apply and maintain familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards for the acceptability of electronic assemblies.
• Identify manufacturer’s part number markings on various components and verify correct components are used for each job.
• Recognize and understand critical component features, including package type and size, to ensure proper placement and assembly.
• Understand ROHS compliance requirements and ensure compatibility of materials and processes with ROHS standards.
• Identify, document, and report non-conforming material and assembly issues in a timely and accurate manner.
• Identify proper feeder types such as 8mm x 2mm, 16mm x 8mm, vibratory, and others required for specific components.
• Recognize and differentiate between Sn63 and Pb-free solder pastes used in the SMT process.
• Print solder paste on PCBs ranging from simple parts to 0201 components, less than 15 mil fine-pitch, and BGA packages.
• Support continuous improvement by maintaining a well-organized work area and following established production processes and quality standards.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve equipment, process, or quality issues as they arise.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in SMT operation within an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience operating SMT machines and working with surface-mount technology processes.
• Proficiency operating pick-and-place equipment and related SMT automatic assembly machinery.
• Working knowledge of IPC standards, including IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001, for electronic assembly acceptability.
• Ability to read and understand assembly instructions, set-up lists, and production documentation.
• Experience with PCB and PCBA production processes, including soldering, wave solder, and reflow operations.
• Ability to identify and interpret manufacturer’s part number markings and critical component features.
• Understanding of ROHS compliance and material compatibility requirements.
• Knowledge of ESD handling procedures and practices in line with ANSI/ESD S20.20-2007.
• Capability to perform preventive and routine maintenance on SMT and production equipment.
• Experience with inspection tools or processes such as X-ray or AOI in a production environment.
• Familiarity with blueprint or production drawing interpretation related to PCB assemblies.
• Eligibility to work under ITAR requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with pick-and-place equipment is highly preferred and considered a key differentiator.
• Experience working with solder paste printing for fine-pitch and BGA components.
• Exposure to functional testing and quality inspection of electronic assemblies.
• Comfort working with various feeder types, including 8mm x 2mm, 16mm x 8mm, and vibratory feeders.
• General understanding of production workflows in contract electronics manufacturing.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills in a fast-paced production environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a modern, clean electronics manufacturing facility that values quality, precision, and continuous improvement. The environment offers exposure to advanced SMT technologies and complex assemblies used in demanding industries, providing strong opportunities to grow your technical skills and broaden your experience. The team-oriented culture encourages collaboration, learning, and professional development, with stable shifts that support work-life balance and long-term career growth.

Work Environment

This role is based in a very clean manufacturing facility focused on high-quality electronics production. The work involves operating SMT and related automated assembly equipment, including screen printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and inspection tools such as X-ray and AOI. The position follows structured production processes and industry standards in a controlled environment. Available shifts include 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., offering consistent hours in a professional, technology-driven setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Forest, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $27.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Forest,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.