SMT Operator - 1st Shift

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.; La Fox (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. in La Fox, Illinois, is seeking an SMT Operator I for first shift. This full-time role operates SMT equipment to produce electronic circuits, including selective solder, conformal coating and wave solder processes.

You will adjust machine programs as needed and maintain production records, while learning IPC standards and supporting quality and efficiency in a lean manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 2-5 years’ SMT experience.
• Working computer knowledge essential to run equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand/walk for long periods.
• Good mechanical and electronic skills.

Responsibilities

• Run selective solder, conformal coating and wave solder equipment.
• Learn machine functions and to make proper adjustments to setup to ensure quality of materials produced.
• Attend in-house IPC Certification.
• Maintain records of production runs for analysis and review.
• Assist with troubleshooting failures that appear during product testing and perform rework as instructed
• Ensure projects are maintained and paperwork is turned in with produced materials.
• Perform cycle count on stock materials where needed.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

Skills

SMT experience

Physical stamina

Computer literacy

Mechanical skills

Electronic skills

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Title: SMT Operator I - 1st Shift

Company: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

Type: Full time

SMT Operator Job Description: The SMT operator monitors and maintains equipment used to create electronic circuits with surface mount technology (SMT). Under direction, this position will be responsible for operating the SMT machines to ensure efficient and accurate production. This will include selective solder, conformal coating and wave solder equipment. Operator will need to make minor adjustments to programs where needed to ensure quality of material produced.

SMT Operator Job Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Run selective solder, conformal coating and wave solder equipment.
• Learn machine functions and to make proper adjustments to setup to ensure quality of materials produced.
• Attend in-house IPC Certification.
• Maintain records of production runs for analysis and review.
• Assist with troubleshooting failures that appear during product testing and perform rework as instructed
• Ensure projects are maintained and paperwork is turned in with produced materials.
• Perform cycle count on stock materials where needed.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Qualification Requirements: High School Diploma, and 2-5 years’ experience in an SMT environment. Working computer knowledge essential to run equipment. Ability to lift 50 lbs. Able to stand and walk for long periods. Good mechanical and electronic skills.

Working Environment: Manufacturing environment, well-lit and ventilated.

About Richardson Electronics: Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes, and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components including green energy solutions; high-value replacement parts, tubes, and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. More than 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts, or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and adhere to our supplier terms and conditions. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and "engineered solutions" based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com.

Our manufacturing facility operates under lean manufacturing principles, which means we are focused on efficiency, continuous improvement, and meeting customer demand in real time. As part of our team, you may be asked to flex between different areas or responsibilities depending on production needs. This flexibility is key to how we maintain a responsive, high-performing operation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Richardson Electronics is an international organization with offices worldwide. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees have equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute. We believe in creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect, we ensure that our employees, customers, and the communities we serve can achieve their goals. Our ability to bring together individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our continued global success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Need to be authorized to work in the US.

Required Postings

• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmln.pdf
• Employer Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
• Invitation to Self-Identify https://www.rell.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Invitation-to-Self-Identify.pdf

Pay Range: $20-$23/hr plus incentive

Benefits: Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options, as well as dental and vision coverage. We offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD), an employee assistance program (EAP), smoking cessation support, weight management program, pet insurance, LifeLock identity protection, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. Additionally, we provide generous vacation time, sick/personal days, 10 paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and work-life balance.