SMT Programmer & Operator Lead - 3rd Shift

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.; La Fox (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. seeks an SMT Programmer & Operator Lead for the 3rd shift to drive efficient SMT placements and lead the SMT team.

You will program, set up, troubleshoot SMT equipment and lead IPC certified training, overseeing coworkers and coordinating with engineering and manufacturing to ensure quality and on-time production. This role requires a high school diploma and 2-5 years of SMT experience, plus the ability to lift 50 lbs and work on a manufacturing floor.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma; 2-5 years’ SMT experience; working computer knowledge.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and sit/stand for long periods.
• Good mechanical and electronic skills.

Responsibilities

• Program, setup, troubleshoot and maintain SMT equipment with guidance as needed.
• Lead IPC-certified training sessions for the team.
• Oversee training and performance of employees in the SMT area; escalate quality issues.
• Maintain production records and organize area layout with Manufacturing Manager.
• Coordinate material issuance and project tracking with planning.
• Perform cycle counts and assist with rework as needed.

Skills

SMT programming

Team leadership

IPC certified trainer

Troubleshooting

Training

Education

High school diploma

Tools

SMT machines

Job description

Job Title: SMT Programmer & Operator Lead - 3rd Shift

Company: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

Type: Full time

Job Description: Under direction, this position will be responsible for programming the SMT machines to ensure efficient and accurate placements. This position will also cover a multitude of other generalized SMT related engineering, including quality as this position will be considered the expert for solder-related items and is our resident IPC certified trainer. In addition, this position functions as a team leader for the SMT area which includes training and overseeing the work of team members assigned to this area.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Work with Engineering staff, assist in the design, specification and selection of components for new products and in the support and updating of existing products.
• Responsible for the programming, set-up, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment with assistance where needed.
• Lead solder training sessions as lead IPC certified instructor
• Responsible for the training of employees assigned to the department and for overseeing their work. Shut down production as necessary if quality issues are found.
• Maintain the organization and layout of the area in coordination with the Manufacturing Manager
• Maintain records of production runs for analysis and review
• Maintain maintenance logs of the equipment along with parts list, manuals, spares etc.
• Assist with troubleshooting failures that appear during product testing and coordinate rework
• Ensure projects are maintained and proper material issued to them in coordination with the planning department.
• Performing the cycle counts on materials where needed.
• Additional tasks as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

As lead person in SMT department area this individual oversees jobs, work orders and ensure they proceed in a timely fashion through the department. Monitors material and component shortages and follows through on filling these requirements. Oversees training and work of employees assigned to this department.

Qualification Requirements:

High School Diploma, and 2-5 years’ experience in an SMT environment. Working computer knowledge. The ability to lift 50 lbs and sit or stand for long periods. Good mechanical and electronic skills.

Working Environment:

Manufacturing environment, well-lit and ventilated.

About Richardson Electronics:

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes, and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components including green energy solutions; high-value replacement parts, tubes, and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. More than 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts, or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and adhere to our supplier terms and conditions. We serve customers in alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise, and “engineered solutions” based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com .

Our manufacturing facility operates under lean manufacturing principles, which means we are focused on efficiency, continuous improvement, and meeting customer demand in real time. As part of our team, you may be asked to flex between different areas or responsibilities depending on production needs. This flexibility is key to how we maintain a responsive, high-performing operation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Richardson Electronics is an international organization with offices worldwide. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees have equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute. We believe in creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect, we ensure that our employees, customers, and the communities we serve can achieve their goals. Our ability to bring together individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our continued global success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Required Postings

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/f

Employer Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

Invitation to Self-Identify https://www.rell.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Invitation-to-Self-Identify.pdf

Pay Range

$34 to $37/hr plus incentive and shift differential

Benefits

Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options, as well as dental and vision coverage. We offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD), an employee assistance program (EAP), smoking cessation support, weight management program, pet insurance, LifeLock identity protection, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. Additionally, we provide generous vacation time, sick/personal days, 10 paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and work-life balance.