SMT Operator

HP PRECISION, INC.; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Hughes Circuits Inc. in California is seeking an SMT Operator to join our assembly team. You will set up, operate, and maintain SMT equipment to produce high-quality PCB assemblies in a fast-paced, safety-conscious environment.

This onsite, full-time position requires attention to detail and adherence to IPC standards. Shifts run 5:00 am–1:30 pm and 1:30 pm–10:00 pm with an hourly rate of $19–$25, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• English reading/writing and communication required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness to follow detailed instructions.
• Strong attention to quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and break down SMT equipment including pick-and-place, printers, SPI, and reflow ovens.
• Interpret assembly drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Perform visual inspections of PCBAs to ensure IPC standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements.
• Document production activities and report issues to engineering.
• Maintain ESD controls and safety procedures.
• Uphold 5S standards and keep work area clean.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

English communication

Detail-oriented

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SMT equipment

MES system

IPC standards knowledge

Job description

Details Published: 21 July 2026

Department: Assembly

Reports To: Production Manager

Position Type: Onsite - Full-time [40 hours per week]

Shift Hours: First 5:00 am - 1:30 pm / Second 1:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Hourly Rate: $19 - $25 based on experience

Position Description

We are seeking a skilled SMT Operator to join our manufacturing team at Hughes Circuits Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly equipment. Your expertise will ensure the production of high-quality circuits boards (PCBs) while adhering to strict quality and efficiency standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and break down SMT equipment, including pick-an-place machines, solder paste printers, SPI, and reflow ovens to ensure efficient production runs of PCB's.
• Able to demonstrate and understand the interpretation of assembly drawings, BOMs, and work Instructions
• Conduct visual inspections of PCBAs throughout the SMT assembly process (from print to reflow) to identify defects and process indicators to ensure adherence to IPC or customer specified standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and resolve production issues
• Document production activities and report any discrepancies or issues to engineering
• Maintain ESD (electrostatic discharge) controls and follow safety procedures
• Adhere to safety protocols and uphold our 5S standard by maintaining a clean and organized work environment
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed instructions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic computer skills
• Experience in a manufacturing or electronics assembly environment
• Familiarity with SMT equipment and tools
• Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Knowledge of IPC J-STD-001 an/or IPC-A-610 standards for electronic assembly

Other Skills And Cultural Fit

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Proactive attitude with a focus on continuous improvement
• Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic
• Adaptability to changing priorities and production requirements

Required Internal Training

• HCI Orientation
• All pertaining process procedures that relate to job function

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit. The employee is frequently required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, and tools. The employee is required to frequently reach with hands and arms, manipulate parts in repetitive motions; stoop, kneel; talk and hear.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to vibration. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

Important

If offer of employment is made it will be contingent upon passing all of the following: E-Verify, Background Check, ITAR and U.S. Export Compliance Screening.

ITAR Regulations

Access to our facility (and, therefore, employment) is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, U.S. refugees, asylees or temporary residents under amnesty provisions [as defined in 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)] and properly licensed foreign persons. Additionally, potential employee’s names will be screened against the Consolidated Screening List (maintained by the United States government) to determine eligibility to receive technical data.

Hughes Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.