SMT Programmer II - 1st Shift

Whelen Engineering, Inc.; Cedar Lake (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Whelen Engineering, Inc. in Chester, CT, is seeking an SMT Programmer II for 1st shift to develop and maintain SMT machine programs, ensuring high-quality electronic assemblies. You will work with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to optimize processes and support new product introductions.

The role requires strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to read drawings and BOMs. Experience with SMT equipment and related software is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience with SMT programming or automated electronics assembly equipment.
• Ability to read assembly drawings, BOMs, process documentation, and engineering changes.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with SMT equipment, machine software, and manufacturing support systems preferred.
• High attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain SMT machine programs utilizing established programming standards and best practices.
• Update machine programs to support ECNs, product revisions, and SMT line changes.
• Provide technical support to SMT production personnel during equipment setup, operation, and product changeovers.
• Troubleshoot programming issues, machine errors, and component placement discrepancies to minimize downtime and improve product quality.
• Monitor SMT equipment performance and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of programs for production equipment including placement machines, routers, reflow ovens, wave solder systems, and selective solder systems.
• Support new product development via SR activities by creating initial machine programs and validating manufacturing processes and updating Jira/DGS.
• Collaborate with Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and recommendations for process improvements.
• Applies intermediate to advanced technical skills to independently perform assigned tasks and resolve routine manufacturing challenges.
• Maintains documentation related to machine programs, equipment settings, and process improvements.
• Assists with training and supporting SMT operators and technicians on programming-related processes and equipment operation.
• Communicates concerns, ideas, and improvement opportunities to leadership, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Skills

SMT programming

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Documentation

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

SMT machine software

Jira

Job description

SMT Programmer II - 1st Shift

Department: SMT (117)

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Chester, CT

Description

Responsible for generating, maintaining, and improving SMT, (Surface Mount Technology), machine programs to support efficient and accurate production of electronic assemblies. Provides technical support to SMT operations through program development, troubleshooting, equipment optimization, and new product introductions/SRs, (Sample Requests). Works closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure manufacturing processes meet quality, productivity, and customer requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates and maintains SMT machine programs utilizing established programming standards and best practices.
• Updates machine programs to support Engineering Change Notifications (ECNs), product revisions, and SMT line changes.
• Provides technical support to SMT production personnel during equipment setup, operation, and product changeovers.
• Troubleshoots programming issues, machine errors, and component placement discrepancies to minimize downtime and improve product quality.
• Monitors SMT equipment performance and recommends process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of programs for production equipment including placement machines, routers, reflow ovens, wave solder systems, and selective solder systems.
• Supports new product development via SR activities by creating initial machine programs and validating manufacturing processes and updating Jira/DGS.
• Collaborates with Engineering to provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback and recommendations for process improvements.
• Applies intermediate to advanced technical skills to independently perform assigned tasks and resolve routine manufacturing challenges.
• Utilizes analytical problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement corrective actions related to SMT programming and equipment operation.
• Maintains documentation related to machine programs, equipment settings, and process improvements.
• Assists with training and supporting SMT operators and technicians on programming-related processes and equipment operation.
• Communicates concerns, ideas, and improvement opportunities to leadership, engineering, maintenance, and quality teams.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Education and Experience

• Experience with SMT programming, SMT manufacturing processes, or automated electronics assembly equipment preferred
• Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings, schematics, Bills of Material (BOMs), process documentation, and engineering changes
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem-solving skills
• Experience working with SMT equipment, machine software, and manufacturing support systems preferred
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new software applications

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred but not required
• Prior manufacturing experience preferred but not required

Physical demands and abilities

• Able to lift up to 35 pounds
• Regularly performs repetitive tasks
• Able to stand for entire shift
• Regularly possesses manual dexterity to put parts or pieces together quickly and accurately
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All Employees Shall

• Comply with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory and company EH&S rules and requirements
• Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards
• Attend scheduled EH&S training program
• Actively support the organization’s efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans
• Recommend improved EH&S practices

Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and third parties. This ability to communicate requires the employee to be conversant in English as the majority of our workforce and the third parties that we encounter only speak English.

The incumbent is responsible for complying with the policies in Whelen’s “Employee Handbook.”

This Job Description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company’s discretion. Nothing in this position description changes or is intended to change the employment at-will relationship with the Company. Employment at-will means that an employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.