SMT Technician II — Precision PCB Assembly

Rocket-Ems; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket EMS in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking an SMT Operator to operate and support surface mount technology production, ensuring high-quality PCB assemblies. You will work with automated equipment and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to maintain process accuracy and throughput.

You will set up and run SMT equipment, load PCBs, verify placement and solder quality, and report defects.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in SMT or electronics manufacturing preferred.
• Familiarity with SMT equipment (pick-and-place, reflow, printers, AOI/AXI) is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and IPC standards (IPC-A-610 preferred).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor SMT equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and supporting automation.
• Load and unload PCBAs while following ESD, MSD, and handling requirements.
• Verify correct component placement, orientation, and solder quality during production runs.
• Identify and report defects such as missing components, misalignment, solder defects, or process deviations.
• Follow travelers, MPIs, work instructions, and production schedules to ensure builds meet customer specifications.
• Perform first-piece checks and in-process inspections as required.
• Assist with basic machine maintenance, nozzle changes, feeder setup, and cleanliness.
• Communicate issues, pass-downs, and improvement opportunities to leads, supervisors, and engineers.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying recurring defects or process trends.

Skills

SMT experience

Attention to detail

Commitment to quality

Tools

Solder paste printers

Pick-and-place machines

Reflow ovens

AOI/AXI

Job description

Rocket EMS in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking an SMT Operator to operate and support surface mount technology production, ensuring high-quality PCB assemblies. You will work with automated equipment and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to maintain process accuracy and throughput.

You will set up and run SMT equipment, load PCBs, verify placement and solder quality, and report defects.