Manufacturing Technician - SMT Lead

Patton, LLC; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Patton is seeking a hands-on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer to own our SMT cell end-to-end—planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement. This player-coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.

The position requires 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation, IPC‑A‑610 proficiency, and hands-on

Qualifications

• 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation.
• Strong IPC-A-610 and rework capability.
• Experience drafting work instructions, routings, and ERP usage.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute daily SMT schedule; line changeovers and kitting.
• Operate and oversee stencil printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI; ensure IPC compliance.
• Lead root-cause analysis and yield improvement; mentor operators.
• Develop and maintain process docs, work instructions, and PFMEA basics.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

SMT programming

IPC-A-610 proficiency

Process optimization

DFM awareness

Education

Bachelor’s in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

PCB assembly equipment

Job description

Description
Patton is seeking a hands‑on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer who will own our SMT cell end-to‑end—planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement. This player‑coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.

Description
Patton is seeking a hands‑on SMT Lead Operator & Manufacturing Engineer who will own our SMT cell end‑to‑end—planning, programming, setup, operation, quality, and continuous improvement. This player‑coach role leads daily SMT production and drives process engineering including oven profiling, documentation, DFM, routings/BOM integrity, and equipment maintenance strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Line Leadership (Lead Operator)

• Plan and execute daily SMT schedule; organize kitting, feeder setup, first-article builds, and line changeovers.
• Operate and oversee stencil printer, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI, and stencil cleaning per manufacturer guidance and Patton procedures.
• Perform first-article inspection, AOI review/verification, and in-process checks to IPC-A-610 standards.
• Train and mentor operators/technicians; enforce ESD, safety, and 5S.

Process & Manufacturing Engineering

• Develop and maintain SMT processes including solder paste selection, print parameters, placement optimization, reflow profiling, and AOI programming.
• Generate and maintain work instructions, setup docs, and process control plans; drive DFM with Design Engineering.
• Specify, program, and improve automated equipment; define preventive maintenance and calibration plans.
• Establish and sustain standards/routings in ERP and ensure BOM/routing alignment.
• Lead root-cause/corrective action for defects and drive yield/cycle-time improvements.

Quality, Compliance & Readiness

• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620.
• Support NPI transfers, build readiness reviews, and configuration control.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years in automated electronics assembly with SMT programming/operation.
• Proficiency with stencil print, placement, reflow profiling, and AOI.
• Strong soldering/inspection skills to IPC-A-610; capable of basic SMT rework.
• Experience with work instructions, routings, and ERP systems.
• Ability to lead operators while performing hands‑on work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Hands‑on DFM experience, panelization, and capability studies.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610/IPC-WHMA-A-620 and ISO 9001.

Attributes

• Player-coach mindset, data-driven, strong ownership, and cross-functional communication skills.

Working Conditions

• On-site manufacturing; standing for extended periods; handling small components; lifting up to 30 lbs.