SMT Operator 3 (Second Shift)

Rocket EMS; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket EMS in San Jose, CA, is seeking an SMT Operator to operate and support SMT production processes, ensuring high-quality PCB assemblies. You will work hands-on with automated equipment and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to maintain process accuracy, throughput, and compliance with customer and industry standards.

Responsibilities include setting up and running printers, pick-and-place, and reflow, loading PCBs, verifying placement and solder quality, and

Qualifications

• Previous experience in SMT or electronics manufacturing preferred.
• Familiarity with SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow, printers, AOI/AXI) is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and IPC standards (IPC-A-610 preferred).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor SMT equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and supporting automation.
• Load and unload PCBA assemblies while following ESD, MSD, and handling requirements.
• Verify correct component placement, orientation, and solder quality during production runs.
• Identify and report defects such as missing components, misalignment, solder defects, or process deviations.
• Follow travelers, MPIs, work instructions, and production schedules to ensure builds meet customer specifications.
• Perform first-piece checks and in-process inspections as required.
• Assist with basic machine maintenance, nozzle changes, feeder setup, and cleanliness.
• Communicate issues, pass-downs, and improvement opportunities to leads, supervisors, and engineers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying recurring defects or process trends.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team orientation

Willingness to learn

Quality focus

Tools

Pick-and-place machines

Solder paste printers

Reflow ovens

AOI/AXI

IPC standards

Job description

As an SMT Operator at Rocket EMS, you will be responsible for operating and supporting surface mount technology (SMT) production processes to ensure high-quality, reliable PCB assemblies. You’ll work hands-on with automated equipment and collaborate closely with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to maintain process accuracy, throughput, and compliance with customer and industry standards.

What You’ll Do

Set up, operate, and monitor SMT equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and supporting automation.

Load and unload printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) while following ESD, MSD, and handling requirements.

Verify correct component placement, orientation, and solder quality during production runs.

Identify and report defects such as missing components, misalignment, solder defects, or process deviations.

Follow travelers, MPIs, work instructions, and production schedules to ensure builds meet customer specifications.

Perform first-piece checks and in-process inspections as required.

Assist with basic machine maintenance, nozzle changes, feeder setup, and cleanliness.

Communicate issues, pass-downs, and improvement opportunities to leads, supervisors, and engineers.

Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying recurring defects or process trends.

What We’re Looking For

Previous experience in SMT or electronics manufacturing preferred.

Familiarity with SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow, printers, AOI/AXI) is a plus.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Ability to follow detailed work instructions and IPC standards (IPC-A-610 preferred).

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Willingness to learn new processes and adapt to changing production needs.

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a high-reliability electronics manufacturing team supporting aerospace, defense, and advanced technology programs. Your work directly impacts product quality, performance, and mission success—down to every component placed on the board.

Pay Range

$25 - $32 USD

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.

Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.