SMT Set-Up Technician

PDS Tech Commercial; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K plan

Paid leave

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial in Maple Grove, MN is seeking a Set Up Tech to ensure SMT machines are prepared and production runs smoothly, with attention to quality and on-time delivery. You’ll manage materials, verify programs, support NPI builds with engineers, and maintain documentation.

This role emphasizes safety, process discipline, and continuous improvement. Relevant candidates have SMT setup experience, read blueprints, and can obtain J-STD/IPC-610 certifications; the position offers $22/hour

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with SMT setup, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and detailed process documentation.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work with manufacturing chemicals, odors, and warm temperatures.
• Ability to obtain required J-STD and IPC-610 certifications.
• Ability to work with a microscope.

Responsibilities

• Set up materials for SMT machines following process documentation.
• Maintain solder paste stencils and monitor floor-stock inventory.
• Replenish and control SMT components in a warehouse environment.
• Verify SMT programs, revisions, routers, and machine setups before production.
• Complete process documentation accurately and thoroughly.
• Monitor solder paste expiration dates and alert when materials are low or expired.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and cleaning on equipment.
• Partner with engineers and technicians to set up New Product Introduction (NPI) builds.
• Load components onto feeders, carts, and magazines.
• Diagnose defects or process problems and take appropriate action.
• Train other employees and assist with new-employee orientation when needed.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of FOD while following all safety practices.
• Actively identify opportunities for continuous process improvement.

Skills

SMT setup

Blueprint reading

Attention to detail

Microscope operation

Visual acuity

Certifications readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SMT programming

Microscope soldering

Job description

Build what's next in electronics manufacturing as a Set Up Tech

Location: Maple Grove, MN | Payrate: $22/hour | Schedule: 6am to 2:30pm

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the electronics manufacturing industry to hire a Set Up Tech. If you have hands-on SMT experience, strong attention to detail, and a passion for getting production right the first time, this is your opportunity to play a critical role in high-quality, precision manufacturing.

Your Impact

As a Set Up Tech, you’ll ensure SMT machines are properly prepared, materials are accurately staged, and production runs smoothly and efficiently. Your work will directly support quality, productivity, and on-time delivery while helping maintain the rigorous standards required in advanced electronics manufacturing.

Reports to: Production Supervisor

What You’ll Do

• Set up materials and components for SMT machines while following established process documentation.

• Maintain solder paste stencils and monitor floor-stock inventory.

• Replenish and control SMT components in a warehouse environment.

• Verify SMT programs, revisions, routers, and machine setups before production.

• Complete process documentation accurately and thoroughly.

• Monitor solder paste expiration dates and alert the Supervisor or Lead when materials are low or expired.

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and cleaning on equipment; identify when additional maintenance is needed.

• Partner with engineers and technicians to set up New Product Introduction (NPI) builds.

• Perform X-ray inspections of returned materials.

• Count and stock incoming parts from the stockroom.

• Load components onto feeders, carts, and magazines.

• Pull components from smart shelves using routers.

• Diagnose defects or process problems and take appropriate action.

• Assist coworkers and support production goals as workload requires.

• Train other employees and assist with new-employee orientation when needed.

• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of FOD while following all safety practices.

• Actively identify opportunities for continuous process improvement.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience with SMT setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and detailed process documentation.

• Ability to read blueprints.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Ability to work primarily standing, with occasional sitting, twisting, and stooping.

• Ability to work with and around manufacturing chemicals, odors, and warm temperatures.

• Ability to work effectively using a microscope/scope.

• Ability to meet visual requirements, including 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses and standard color vision requirements, as verified through required examinations.

• Ability to obtain required J-STD and IPC-610 certifications to perform SMT machine material setup duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming SMT equipment.

• Experience with microscope soldering.

• Experience supporting NPI builds.

• Experience troubleshooting SMT equipment or manufacturing processes.

• Previous experience in a regulated or high-quality manufacturing environment.

Quality Is in the Details

This role supports an organization operating under demanding industry standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS 9100, Nadcap, and NASA-STD-8739 requirements. You’ll be part of a team where following documented processes, maintaining quality, meeting production standards, and protecting product integrity are essential to every build.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re an experienced SMT professional who takes pride in precision, troubleshooting, and getting production ready for success, we want to hear from you.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $22.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.