AOI Programmer

Jobot; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

PTO & sick leave

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Jobot is seeking an AOI Programming Lead to support PCB assembly operations. You will create and optimize AOI programs, fine-tune inspection parameters, and collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing to reduce defects and improve yields.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in AOI programming/operation, SMT process knowledge, and IPC standards familiarity. This full-time on-site role offers strong growth and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of AOI programming or operating AOI equipment in electronics manufacturing.
• MRP experience required.
• Strong understanding of SMT assembly processes and component identification.
• Experience interpreting fabrication drawings, Gerber files, BOMs and manufacturing documentation.
• Knowledge of IPC standards and solder joint criteria for PCB inspection.
• Proficiency with inspection and troubleshooting tools in high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Create, validate, and maintain AOI inspection programs for new and existing PCB assemblies.
• Fine-tune inspection parameters to improve defect detection while minimizing false calls.
• Troubleshoot AOI-related issues and implement corrective actions to improve inspection performance.
• Review and analyze inspection results, identify trends, and collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing to resolve defects.
• Evaluate PCB assemblies for solder quality, polarity, and orientation.
• Support NPI by developing AOI criteria and programs during product launches.

Skills

AOI programming

SMT processes

Analytical & problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Electronics training

Technical degree preferred

Tools

Pemtron AOI

Koh Young AOI

Gerber files

Job description

Job Details

AOI Programming Lead needed for fast growth manufacturer / Amazing growth potential!

Salary: $30 - $35 per hour

We are seeking a detail-oriented Pemtron AOI Programmer to support our PCB assembly operations by developing, maintaining, and optimizing Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) programs. This role is responsible for ensuring inspection accuracy, reducing false failures, identifying manufacturing defects, and supporting overall product quality and production efficiency. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with SMT manufacturing processes, electronic assemblies, and Pemtron AOI systems.

Why join us?

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k
• PTO & sick leave
• Exponential growth opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Create, validate, and maintain AOI inspection programs for new and existing PCB assemblies.
• Fine‑tune inspection parameters to improve defect detection while minimizing false calls and unnecessary operator intervention.
• Troubleshoot AOI‑related issues and implement corrective actions to improve inspection performance.
• Review and analyze inspection results, identify trends, and collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to resolve recurring defects.
• Evaluate PCB assemblies for solder quality, component placement, polarity, orientation, and workmanship standards.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing inspection criteria and AOI programs during product launch activities.
• Verify inspection coverage and ensure compliance with customer, IPC, and internal quality requirements.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and verification activities on AOI equipment.
• Work closely with SMT operators, process engineers, and quality personnel to improve yields and manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation for inspection programs, process changes, and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction and process optimization.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or electronics‑related training preferred.
• 2+ years of experience programming or operating AOI equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• MRP experience and knowledge required.
• Strong understanding of SMT assembly processes and electronic component identification.
• Knowledge of IPC standards, solder joint acceptance criteria, and PCB inspection methodologies.
• Ability to recognize common manufacturing defects including insufficient solder, bridging, tombstoning, misplaced components, incorrect polarity, and orientation issues.
• Experience interpreting assembly drawings, Gerber files, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency using inspection and troubleshooting tools in a high‑volume production environment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC-A-610 Certification.
• Hands on experience with Koh Young or Pemtron machines is preferred.
• Experience working in a high‑mix, low‑to‑medium volume PCB assembly environment.
• Familiarity with SPI, X‑ray inspection, and SMT process optimization.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement and yield enhancement initiatives.

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Sometimes Jobot is required to perform background checks with your authorization. Jobot will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.