SMT Operator

Job Details

• Job Location: PHOENIX, AZ 85021
• Position Type: Full Time
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: Manufacturing

Position Summary

The SMT Operator is responsible for safe, accurate, and efficient operation of surface mount technology equipment and related production processes used to assemble printed circuit boards at Titan Circuits. This role supports daily production requirements by preparing jobs, loading materials, operating printers and placement equipment, monitoring process performance, and escalating issues that could affect quality, delivery, or equipment performance.

The SMT Operator works closely with manufacturing leadership, process engineering, quality, maintenance, material handlers, and inspection personnel to execute production in accordance with work instructions, machine programs, setup requirements, ESD controls, workmanship standards, and customer-specific requirements. The role is expected to support product quality, line readiness, traceability, and continuous improvement across SMT operations including stencil printing, SPI, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI support, and related activities as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

SMT Line Operation and Production Execution

• Set up, operate, and monitor SMT production equipment and supporting processes in accordance with documented instructions, production schedules, and quality requirements.
• Run assigned equipment such as stencil printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, conveyors, loaders, unloaders, AOI stations, and other related equipment as trained and assigned.
• Verify machine readiness before production start, including correct programs, feeder setup, tooling, consumables, board orientation, solder paste controls, and material availability.
• Perform product changeovers, feeder loading, splice verification, board loading, recipe selection, and line startup activities accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain throughput and line flow while ensuring that product is built to documented process requirements and approved workmanship standards.

Setup Verification, Material Control, and Traceability

• Confirm that the correct work order, traveler, revision level, component reels, stencils, tooling, and setup documentation are in use before running production.
• Verify part numbers, lot control, polarity, orientation, feeder locations, and setup accuracy to reduce placement errors and build escapes.
• Support material traceability, label verification, and handling controls in accordance with company procedures and customer requirements.
• Follow line clearance requirements and ensure product segregation is maintained between jobs, lots, and revision levels.
• Handle boards, components, solder paste, and sensitive materials in accordance with ESD, MSD, and contamination-control requirements.

Process Monitoring and Quality Support

• Monitor machine performance, alarms, placement accuracy, print quality, board flow, oven status, and process conditions during production runs.
• Inspect product and process indicators at required intervals and respond appropriately to abnormalities such as misalignment, insufficient paste, tombstoning, bridging, missing components, feeder issues, or line stoppages.
• Assist with first article, startup verification, and in-process checks as required by documented procedures or production leadership.
• Support SPI, AOI, and visual inspection activities by reacting promptly to defects, trends, or repeated calls and escalating issues to the appropriate support teams.
• Stop and report nonconforming conditions when quality, safety, or process integrity is at risk.

Equipment Care, Housekeeping, and Shift Readiness

• Perform routine operator-level maintenance, cleaning, and basic preventative care on SMT equipment in accordance with training and documented procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas, feeder carts, workstations, and line-side storage to support safe and efficient production.
• Record downtime, defects, machine issues, and production data accurately in logs, systems, or travelers as required.
• Communicate equipment concerns, recurring defects, missing materials, and shift handoff information clearly to supervisors, technicians, engineers, and incoming operators.
• Support startup, shutdown, and end-of-shift readiness activities to ensure smooth transition between shifts and jobs.

Teamwork, Flexibility, and Continuous Improvement

• Work effectively with operators, inspectors, technicians, engineers, quality personnel, and supervisors to meet schedule, quality, and safety expectations.
• Support cross-training across SMT operations and other assembly areas as needed by the business.
• Participate in training, certification, and skill development activities required for new equipment, new product introductions, or updated procedures.
• Provide feedback on recurring production issues and support continuous improvement efforts related to quality, efficiency, changeover time, organization, and line performance.
• Follow all company policies, safety requirements, attendance expectations, and professional conduct standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of experience in SMT, electronics assembly, PCB manufacturing, or similar production environment preferred.
• Experience operating one or more of the following is preferred: stencil printer, SPI, pick-and-place equipment, reflow oven, AOI, conveyors, or related SMT support equipment.
• Basic understanding of component polarity, orientation, feeder setup, board handling, and electronics assembly workmanship expectations preferred.
• Ability to read and follow travelers, work instructions, setup sheets, visual aids, and basic manufacturing documentation.
• Comfortable using basic computer systems, barcode scanners, machine interfaces, and production tracking tools.
• Ability to recognize abnormal process conditions and communicate issues quickly and clearly.
• Strong attention to detail, reliability, and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a contract electronics manufacturing or high-mix, low-to-medium volume PCBA environment.
• Familiarity with ESD controls, MSD handling, IPC workmanship expectations, and general clean manufacturing practices.
• Experience with product changeovers, feeder verification, solder paste handling, and startup or first-piece checks.
• Ability to support multiple SMT processes or rotate between equipment as needed.
• Willingness to learn additional operations such as hand assembly, selective solder support, inspection support, or rework support as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift.
• Ability to lift and move reels, feeder carts, boards, and materials up to 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand motions, reach, bend, and work around production equipment safely.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment requiring use of PPE and compliance with ESD and safety procedures.
• Ability to support weekends production as needed.