SMT Operator (Third Shift Only)

Nidec Drives; St. Charles (IL); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Nidec Drives in the United States is seeking a Machine Operator I to support production on a night shift. You will learn basic machine operation, follow defined work instructions, and contribute to safety, quality, and throughput on the line.

This entry‑level role emphasizes reliability and teamwork, with supervision as you gain hands‑on experience operating SMT-related equipment, feeding materials, and maintaining a clean, organized workstation to meet daily targets.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 1+ year manufacturing or machine-operation experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong safety awareness and teamwork.
• Willingness to learn machine operation and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned machines or equipment according to work instructions.
• Load raw materials or components and remove finished products.
• Maintain steady production output to meet shift targets.
• Perform basic visual inspections and report defects.
• Follow safety rules, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout practices.
• Keep an organized, clean, and safe workstation.
• Participate in cross-training and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Basic math

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Instruction following

Attention to detail

Education

High School or Equivalent

Tools

SMT equipment

Job description

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality. All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.

Job Summary

The Machine Operator I is an entry‑level production role responsible for operating basic manufacturing or processing equipment in a safe, efficient, and consistent manner. This position follows clearly defined work instructions, safety rules, and quality standards to support daily production needs. Work is closely supervised and emphasizes safety awareness, reliability, and development of foundational machine operation skills.

Job Description

Role Overview

The Machine Operator I supports manufacturing operations by operating assigned machines or production equipment to produce parts, components, or finished goods. Tasks are routine, repetitive, and performed using established procedures and standard tooling. The role works as part of a production team in a manufacturing or industrial environment and focuses on learning equipment operation, quality expectations, and production flow. The position typically reports to a Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor, or Team Lead.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation & Production Execution

• Operate assigned machines or equipment according to work instructions and training
• Start, stop, and monitor equipment during production runs
• Load raw materials or components and remove finished products
• Maintain steady production output to meet shift or daily targets

Quality & Inspection Support

• Perform basic visual inspections of produced parts or materials
• Identify obvious defects, equipment malfunctions, or process deviations
• Segregate non‑conforming products and notify supervision
• Follow quality documentation and traceability requirements

Equipment & Workstation Care

• Clean work areas and equipment according to standard procedures
• Perform basic machine checks as instructed (e.g., lubrication, clearing jams)
• Report equipment issues, alarms, or abnormal conditions promptly
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workstation

Safety, Compliance & Standard Work

• Follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout awareness practices
• Use machines, tools, and materials safely and as trained
• Comply with quality, environmental, and operational policies
• Report safety hazards, near misses, or incidents immediately

Teamwork & Learning

• Work cooperatively with operators, technicians, and supervisors
• Follow instructions and accept feedback to improve performance
• Learn basic machine operation, production processes, and terminology
• Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality

Scope & Impact

Impact is limited to assigned machine operation and production tasks

Work is highly structured and closely monitored

Errors are typically detectable through inspection or supervision

Contributes to production output, quality consistency, and workplace safety.

Qualifications Education & Experience

No formal education required Prior manufacturing, production, or machine‑operation experience helpful but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Basic mechanical aptitude and attention to detail
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks consistently
• Commitment to safety and teamwork
• Willingness to learn machine operation and production processes

NOTE: This position Is Not open to external sourcing (Recruiting agencies)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Hours 10:30PM-6:45AM

Additional Job Details

Objective

The SMT Operator level I will operate SMT equipment and perform identification of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, QFP, etc…).

Essential Responsibilities

• This position requires prompt arrival and regular attendance at work.
• Work is performed in an electro-static discharge (ESD) or clean room (no make-up, jewelry, or facial hair) area.
• Works from specific verbal and/or written instructions and standard work instructions
• Makes routine adjustments/set‑ups of equipment.
• Must be able to perform feeder setup.
• Performs machine setup (Screen printer, chip shooter, fine pitch, reflow ovens, AOI and paste inspection.
• Must be able to perform SMT line changeovers.
• Clean stencils using the appropriate “stencil” cleaning machine.
• Has knowledge of IPC-610 Omron Quality Standards.
• Completes daily records and complete simple forms or charts of quality and work performed
• Maintains clean and organized work area at all times.
• Completes daily area clean up at the end of shift.
• May participate in cross‑training activities with other related positions.
• Supports and participates in the Company’s management and quality system including continuous improvement efforts.
• Notifies group leader or supervisor of any problems or nonconforming product
• Supports and implements the Environmental policy as it pertains to work activities.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the activities enumerated above.

Experience

1+ year

Education

High School or Equivalent

Certifications

N/A

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to perform simple math computations
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with others
• Ability to learn, understand and adhere to all applicable safety precautions and procedures

Scope of Supervision

N/A

Travel Required

Negligible

Physical Demand (Special Considerations)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee consistently is required to use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, bend and crawl. The employee will on occasion lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

Keywords

SMT, production, supply chain, electronics, automotive, solder, solder wave, PCB, circuits

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This position description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the skills, aptitudes, competencies and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity and ...

All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Work Shift Schedule

Third Shift (United States of America)

No Soliciting

Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.

Nidec has worked its way up to become the world's No.1 manufacturer of small precision motors. In the process, Nidec has gradually expanded its product lineup to include a variety of small to large motors, application products for machinery, and electronic and optical components. At present, its products are used in a wide range of fields and devices including information and telecommunications equipment, office equipment, home appliances, automobiles, industrial equipment, and environmental energy. “For Everything that Spins and Moves”, the Group is creating next‑generation drive technologies to meet the needs of the society.