2nd Shift SMT Programmer — Optimize PCB Assembly

Rocket EMS, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, vision, and life

Paid time off

Career growth opportunities in handle-

Job summary

Rocket EMS in California is seeking an experienced SMT Programmer to create, optimize, and maintain programs for SMT equipment used in PCB assembly. You will support NPI builds, production runs, and continuous improvement while ensuring setups, feeders, and programs meet customer and IPC standards.

Role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and collaboration across engineering, production, and quality teams. 8-hour shift with potential overtime and weekend work.

Qualifications

• 2+ years SMT programming experience in CM/PCBA environments.
• Hands-on experience with Juki, Panasonic, Fuji, or similar SMT equipment.
• Experience with stencil printers, reflow ovens, and AOI integration a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and adherence to IPC standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, edit, and optimize programs for SMT pick-and-place machines, screen printers, and reflow ovens.
• Review job documentation (BOMs, Gerbers, XY placement files, ECOs, customer specs) prior to programming.
• Perform first article verification and validate new programs against requirements.
• Support NPI builds by generating feeder setups, placement data, and verification checks.
• Optimize line balancing, feeder utilization, and machine throughput for efficiency.
• Troubleshoot SMT programming issues, misplacements, and feeder errors; implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with process and manufacturing engineers to improve yields and reduce cycle times.
• Maintain program archives, revision control, and process documentation.
• Train operators and technicians on loading programs, feeders, and production runs.
• Ensure IPC-A-610 compliance, ESD controls, and safety policies.
• Provide feedback and recommendations for continuous improvement of SMT programming and setup processes.

Skills

SMT programming

Gerber/CAD data interpretation

Line balancing concepts

Troubleshooting feeders & vision

Teamwork & communication

Microsoft Office & data systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical certification or associate degree

Tools

Juki SMT

Panasonic SMT

Fuji SMT

Job description

Rocket EMS in California is seeking an experienced SMT Programmer to create, optimize, and maintain programs for SMT equipment used in PCB assembly. You will support NPI builds, production runs, and continuous improvement while ensuring setups, feeders, and programs meet customer and IPC standards.

Role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and collaboration across engineering, production, and quality teams. 8-hour shift with potential overtime and weekend work.