SMT Operator Sr.

ADTRAN, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Adtran, Inc. is seeking a Senior SMT Operator to lead setup, operation, and optimization of SMT production equipment for PCB assemblies. The role requires strong expertise in solder paste printing, placement, and reflow, with a focus on quality and throughput.

You will mentor operators, support NPI, and work with Manufacturing/Process Engineering to drive improvements and maintain traceability and compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, monitor, and optimize SMT production equipment.
• Lead troubleshooting for equipment, process, and material issues to minimize downtime.
• Assist engineering teams with process improvements and validation activities.
• Support NPI builds and ensure proper manufacturing requirements are met.
• Train and mentor SMT Operators on equipment, setup, quality, and best practices.
• Maintain production records, logs, and manufacturing system transactions.

Skills

SMT expertise

Troubleshooting

Process improvement

NPI support

Line balancing

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate degree in Electronics/Manufacturing/Industrial Tech

Tools

SPI

AOI

ERP / MES / SAP / FactoryLogix

Juki / Fuji / Yamaha SMT equipment

Job description

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.

Adtran is a leading global provider of fiber-based networking solutions and SaaS applications, focused on the broadband access market. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from the metro core to the customer premises, enabling network providers to deliver Gigabit broadband to every home and business. Our vision is to enable a fully connected world where the power to communicate is available to everyone, everywhere. At Adtran, we believe in our people. With a diverse and inclusive team spread across the globe, our culture embraces creativity and seeks innovation and quality in everything we do. Built on a foundation of communication, trust, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit enables us to be a global technology leader and a strong customer advocate. Adtran began operations in January 1986. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Adtran is located in Cummings Research Park - the second-largest research park in the U.S. and fourth-largest in the world. Our mailing address is 901 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama, 35806. Adtran, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adtran Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN and FSE: QH9). Find out more at adtran.com, or follow our story on LinkedIn and Twitter.