SMT Operator Sr.

ADTRAN, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

ADTRAN, Inc. in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior SMT Operator to lead the setup, operation, and optimization of SMT production equipment for PCBAs.

You will act as SME for SMT processes, guide operators, support NPI, and help meet production goals and quality standards. The role requires 5+ years of SMT manufacturing experience, with proficiency in screen printers, SPI/AOI systems, pick-and-place, and reflow equipment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or related technical discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, monitor, and optimize SMT production equipment (screen printer, SPI, pick-and-place, reflow, AOI).
• Lead product changeovers, program verification, feeder setup, and line qualifications.
• Drive troubleshooting to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.
• Support NPI builds and manufacturing requirement implementation.
• Train and mentor SMT Operators on procedures and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, machine logs, and downtime documentation.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Electronics/Manufacturing/Industrial Technology

Tools

SMT equipment knowledge (Fuji/Yamaha/ASM/Panasonic/Universal/Juki)

ERP/MES systems (SAP, FactoryLogix)

MS Office proficiency

Job description

Welcome! Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities! Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Thanks for your interest in working on our team!

Position Summary

The Senior SMT Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, troubleshooting, optimization, and support of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production equipment used in the assembly of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). This position serves as a subject matter expert on SMT processes and equipment, providing technical guidance to operators, assisting with process improvements, supporting new product introductions (NPI), and ensuring production goals, quality standards, and operational efficiencies are achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, monitor, and optimize SMT production equipment, including screen printers, solder paste inspection (SPI) systems, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, conveyors, and automated inspection equipment.
• Perform product changeovers, machine programming verification, feeder setup, and line qualifications.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for equipment, process, and material-related issues to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.
• Assist Manufacturing Engineering and Process Engineering teams with process improvements, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds and ensure proper implementation of manufacturing requirements.
• Train and mentor SMT Operators on equipment operation, setup procedures, quality standards, and best practices.
• Monitor line performance metrics and recommend actions to improve productivity, utilization, yield, and quality.
• Ensure proper component handling, verification, and material traceability in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance, equipment calibration verification, and preventative maintenance activities as required.
• Conduct first-piece inspections and verify product quality using established inspection criteria and workmanship standards.
• Identify process trends and collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate production records, machine logs, downtime documentation, and manufacturing system transactions.
• Ensure compliance with ESD requirements, safety procedures, quality standards, and manufacturing work instructions.
• Support cross-functional teams in resolving production, quality, and scheduling challenges.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of SMT manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 3 years operating and setting up SMT production equipment in a high-volume electronics manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting product changeovers, line balancing, troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Experience training or mentoring operators preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of SMT manufacturing processes and electronic assembly techniques.
• Strong understanding of solder paste printing, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection methodologies.
• Ability to interpret work instructions, assembly drawings, bills of material, and process documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting machine, feeder, component, and process issues.
• Familiarity with Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), SPI, and related manufacturing quality systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SAP, FactoryLogix, or similar systems preferred.
• Understanding of statistical process control and continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC-A-610 certification or demonstrated knowledge of IPC workmanship standards.
• Experience with Fuji, Yamaha, ASM, Panasonic, Universal, Juki, or similar SMT equipment.
• Experience supporting NPI activities and manufacturing process validation.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
• Knowledge of component packaging, feeder systems, and line optimization techniques.