SMT OPERATOR

Advanced Motion Controls; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 37,884; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Camarillo, CA, is seeking a dedicated technician for operating surface mount pick and place machines. This role involves setting up machines, performing quality inspections, and troubleshooting issues. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience with SMT equipment and a strong attention to detail. The position is full-time, offering pay between $19.00 and $27.50 per hour, with opportunities for overtime. US Citizenship or lawful permanent residency is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating SMT equipment in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures consistently.
• Good hand-eye coordination for handling small components.

Responsibilities

• Setup and operate surface mount pick and place machines.
• Perform detailed visual quality inspection of populated circuit boards.
• Troubleshoot component placement and machine issues.

Skills

Operating SMT equipment

Basic electronics knowledge

ESD protocols

Hand-eye coordination

Visual acuity

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Education

High school graduate/GED

Job description

Required Job Duties:

• Setup and operation of surface mount pick and place machines, including tending to machines by quickly and efficiently loading or replenishing feeders with reels of components, entering programs into automated placement machinery, setting up support fixtures, and prepping assembly lines for next shop order.
• Maintain components in stocking locations as required, promptly returning after each use and always observing proper ESD, MSL, and contamination prevention handling practices.
• Load materials (component reels, stencils, solder paste).
• Program or adjust machine parameters for different runs.
• Setup and operation of automatic and semi-automatic stencil printers.
• Setup and operation of mass reflow oven.
• Perform manual component placement and inspection.
• Perform detailed visual quality inspection of populated circuit boards.
• Troubleshoot component placement and machine issues.
• Monitor machine operation and identify when something is going wrong.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Perform part counts.
• Determine ways to constantly improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Additional job duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications / Technical Knowledge:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating SMT equipment in a fast-paced environment, including familiarity with SMT equipment operation (pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, solder paste printers).
• Basic electronics knowledge to identify component types and potential assembly issues, including understanding of PCB components and their polarity requirements (resistors, capacitors, ICs, diodes, etc.).
• Knowledge of electrostatic discharge (ESD) protocols and proper handling procedures.
• Good hand-eye coordination for handling small components and making adjustments. Steady hands for rework and manual component placement without damaging products.
• Strong visual acuity to inspect solder joints and identify defects (bridging, tombstoning, insufficient solder).
• Ability to perform visual inspections and identify common defects.
• Attention to detail for catching errors before boards move downstream.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures consistently.
• Patience for repetitive tasks while maintaining quality focus.
• Basic computer skills for operating machine interfaces and documentation.
• Be able to speak, write and read English: Must be able to read/understand process documentation, carry out detailed written and verbal work instructions, read assembly drawings/notes, bill of materials (BOMs), report issues to supervisors or engineers, etc.

Preferred Qualifications / Technical Knowledge:

• Understanding of IPC-A-610 standards (acceptability of electronic assemblies).

Required Education:

• Minimum: High school graduate/GED.

Other Requirements:

• Physical requirements: This position requires standing for long periods of time. Also occasional to frequent: walking, sitting, using both hands, reaching, grasping, carrying, pushing/pulling/lifting up to 25 lbs and team lifting up to 75 lbs.
• We are ITAR Registered (International-Traffic-In-Arms-Regulations). Hired candidate must be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following company policies and procedures.
• This is a full-time position located at our Camarillo, CAfacility, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Able to work summer hours (as needed): June through September - Monday through Friday, 7am to 3:45pm. Overtime may be required including starting early, staying late, and working weekends.

Pay Range:

$19.00 to $27.50 per hour.

ADVANCED Motion Controls considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the candidate’s education/training, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, responsibilities of the position, internal pay equity, as well as market and business considerations.

ADVANCED Motion Controls prohibits discrimination or harassment based on the following categories: race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law. ADVANCED Motion Controls is ITAR Registered (International Traffic In Arms Regulations). Any candidate we hire must be a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES AND RECRUITERS: Advanced Motion Controls does NOT accept unsolicited resumes from any external agency for the placement of any position. Unsolicited resumes submitted by agencies and received by Advanced Motion Controls will be considered the property of Advanced Motion Controls and may be contacted and engaged directly by Advanced Motion Controls, with no placement fee due. Advanced Motion Controls will NOT pay a placement fee or any other fees to any third-party agency, firm or recruiter who is not specifically retained with a signed fee agreement by Advanced Motion Controls’ Human Resources Manager and instructed to conduct a candidate search. Please do NOT forward unsolicited resumes to our website or to any Advanced Motion Controls employee. Advanced Motion Controls will NOT be responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes.