AOI Operator I – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

J T; Seymour (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

JT is seeking an AOI Operator I for electronics manufacturing in Seymour, CT. You will operate AOI equipment to identify soldering and component anomalies on PCBAs, set up inspection recipes, load boards, and track defects to support first-pass yield and quality compliance.

You will train peers, maintain MIS records in Aegis, and follow OSHA and SDS procedures while working with SMT line operators. Requires high school diploma, 0–3 years of related experience, IPC-A-610 certification (or on

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0–3 years electronics manufacturing or QA experience.
• IPC-A-610 certification required or able to obtain on hire.
• Familiarity with MIS / shop-floor software (Aegis).
• Basic math and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain AOI equipment per standards and schedules.
• Set up inspection recipes and load/ unload boards for inspection.
• Record defects and dispositions in the MIS (Aegis) system.
• Identify defects (misalignments, solder issues, polarity, bridges) and escalate trends.
• Mentor new AOI operators and ensure adherence to safety procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

English communication

Team problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Aegis MIS

Job description

AOI Operator I – Electronics Manufacturing (PCBA / SMT)

Location: Seymour, CT

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Quality Inspection / SMT Manufacturing

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)

Position Overview

The AOI Operator I is responsible for operating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment to identify and classify soldering, placement, and component anomalies on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). Operating within a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment, this role sets up inspection recipes, loads and runs production boards, records defect logs, and assists with operator cross-training to support first-pass yield and quality compliance.

Equipment Operation & Program Execution

Operate, monitor, and maintain Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment according to established manufacturing standards and build schedules.

Select, load, and verify proper inspection programs matching specific PCBA part numbers and revision levels.

Safely load, index, run, and unload boards through the inspection process while preventing mechanical and electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

Code or modify basic equipment programs and routine parameters as required to optimize inspection performance.

Defect Classification & Data Logging

Perform optical and automated inspection to identify assembly anomalies (e.g., misalignments, bridging, solder balls, tombstoning, incorrect polarity, and missing or inverted parts).

Record defects, false calls, and inspection dispositions accurately using the Manufacturing Execution System / Shop Floor Tracking software (Aegis MIS).

Address routine mechanical feed issues and elevate systemic or recurring quality trends to supervisors and manufacturing engineers.

Assist in training and mentoring incoming or peer AOI operators on standard operating procedures and inspection standards.

Communicate proactively and courteously with SMT line operators, hand solder technicians, and line leads.

Adhere strictly to company safety standards, OSHA guidelines, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

0 to 3 years of related industry experience in electronics manufacturing, SMT assembly, or quality inspection.

Certifications & Training

IPC-A-610 Certification required (or ability to obtain upon hire).

Component Identification training required (resistors, capacitors, diodes, IC packages, polarity markings).

Technical & System Skills

Working knowledge of or direct proficiency with Shop Floor Tracking Systems / MIS (e.g., Aegis).

Basic computer proficiency (navigating directory structures, application launch, and system shutdown).

Basic mathematical proficiency (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division across whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).

Core Competencies

Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or schematic form.

Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.

Positive, cooperative approach to team problem-solving and process adjustments.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach, and handle fine components.

Requires specific visual capabilities including close vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Frequently lift/move up to 10 lbs; occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts; occasional exposure to airborne particles, chemical fumes, or low-level vibration.

Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ESD protection (ESD smocks, heel grounders, and wrist straps) per OSHA and facility requirements.