SMT - Setup Operator

Rocket-Ems; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket EMS seeks an SMT Operator to build high-reliability PCB assemblies by setting up and running screen printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens. You will verify feeder setups, loadouts, and follow IPC-A-610 Class 2/3 standards in a fast-paced electronics environment.

You will review build docs, monitor machine performance, perform first-article checks, and participate in 5S and continuous improvement activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years SMT production experience.
• Experience operating pick-and-place, SPI, and reflow ovens.
• IPC-A-610 certification preferred.
• Ability to read MPIs, ECOs, and BOMs.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Review build documentation (MPIs, drawings, ECOs, BOMs) before starting work.
• Set up and operate SMT equipment (screen printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens).
• Verify feeder setups, orientation, loadouts per BOM.
• Load machine programs, perform first-article checks.
• Monitor performance, address mis-picks and errors, escalate as needed.
• Conduct visual/AOI pre-verification to IPC-A-610 standards.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and calibration tasks.
• Assist in first-article builds and ensure placement accuracy.
• Identify and correct SMT defects; escalate systemic issues.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow ESDS procedures.
• Record production data and downtime accurately.
• Support other production areas as directed; participate in 5S and continuous improvement.

Skills

Attention to detail

English communication

Mechanical aptitude

Reading drawings/MPIs/ECOs/BOMs

Clear written and verbal communication

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pick-and-place machines

SPI

Reflow ovens

Job description

As anSMT Operator at Rocket EMS, you will play a critical role in building high-reliability PCB assemblies by setting up, operating, and monitoring SMT production equipment. You’ll run screen printers, SPI, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens to ensure every build meets IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards. This position requires strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise build documentation in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Review build documentation such as MPIs, assembly drawings, ECOs, BOMs, and customer requirements before beginning work.

Set up and operate SMT equipment including:

Screen printers

Reflow ovens

Verify feeder setups, component orientation, reference designators, and correct loadouts according to the BOM.

Perform machine program loading, verification, and first-article checks as required.

Monitor machine performance, address mis-picks, placement errors, and stoppages promptly, and escaliti recurring issues to the Lead, Engineer, or Supervisor.

Conduct visual and AOI pre-verification to ensure solder paste deposits, component placements, and reflow results meet IPC-A-610 standards.

Perform basic machine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration tasks according to established procedures.

Assist in first article builds, ensuring accuracy of placements, polarity, and component values.

Identify and correct SMT-related defects; escape systemic issues to Engineering or Quality.

Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow all ESD, MSD, and handling procedures.

Record production data, downtime events, and pass-down information accurately.

Support other areas of production—such as AOI, rework, or kit prep—as directed by Supervisor, Engineer, or Manager.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and 5S activities to improve efficiency and quality.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

Minimum 1–2 years of SMT production experience in contract manufacturing or electronics assembly (preferred).

Experience operating pick-and-place machines, SPI, and reflow ovens (preferred).

IPC-A-610 certification (preferred or required depending on role level).

Skills

Ability to read assembly drawings, MPIs, ECOs, and BOMs.

Strong understanding of component identification, polarity, and package types (0402, 0201, ICs, BGAs, QFNs, etc.).

Knowledge of solder paste application and reflow profiles.

Mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting minor machine issues.

Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.

Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Paid time off and company holidays

Opportunities for advancement in a growing, technology-driven manufacturing environment

Schedule

8-hour shift, Monday–Friday

Overtime and weekends as needed

Pay Range

$20 - $23 USD

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.

Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.
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