Trainee SMT Operator

Orion Electrotech; Dorney; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electronics company in Dorney seeks a Trainee SMT Operator. The role involves setting up SMT equipment, preparing materials, and maintaining machine performance. Ideal candidates should have experience in SMT production, be proactive, and have a background in electronics. Benefits include a competitive salary and generous holiday package.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance (4x salary)

Up to 5% employer pension contribution

Enhanced parental leave

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in an SMT production role is desirable.
• Confident reading build documentation and technical drawings.
• Engineering background preferred, ideally in electronics.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate SMT equipment, including printers and ovens.
• Prepare inventory and materials for production.
• Read build instructions and interpret engineering drawings.
• Perform inspections and support AOI fault review.
• Calibrate and maintain machines for optimal performance.
• Handle components with ESD precautions and MSL awareness.
• Support continuous line operation.

Skills

Experience in an SMT production role

Understanding of surface mount machinery

Reading build documentation

Proactive hands-on approach

Engineering background in electronics

Comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel

Job description

Trainee SMT Operator

Permanent

£25,000

Monday to Friday Days

If you’re looking to work with high‑end electronics across industries like space, defence, and motorsport, and you enjoy hands‑on technical work in a clean and modern setting, this could be the Trainee SMT Operator role for you.

Responsibilities

• Setting up and operating SMT equipment, including printers, reflow ovens, and pick‑and‑place machines
• Preparing inventory, feeders, and materials for production runs
• Reading build instructions and interpreting engineering drawings
• Performing first‑off inspections and supporting AOI fault review
• Calibrating and maintaining machines to ensure optimal performance
• Handling components correctly, including ESD precautions and MSL awareness
• Supporting continuous line operation and assisting with manual part placement where needed

Qualifications

• Has previous experience in an SMT production role (desirable)
• Understands surface mount machinery and PCB build processes
• Is confident reading build documentation and technical drawings
• Has a hands‑on, proactive approach to their work
• Ideally has an engineering background, preferably in electronics
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel

Benefits

• £25k
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Up to 5% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking

For more information, please contact Jacob Exton at Orion Electrotech Reading for a chat.