Manufacturing Technician - SMT Lead

Patton, LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Patton, LLC 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.

You will optimize solder paste selection, print parameters, placement, reflow profiling, AOI, tooling, and documentation; develop work instructions; support NPI transfers; and maintain ERP routings/BOM integrity in an on-site

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and maintain SMT processes and work instructions; drive DFM with Design Engineering.

Skills

SMT programming

Stencil print

Placement

Reflow profiling

AOI

IPC-A-610

ERP systems

Leadership & mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP systems

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.