Sr. Machine Operator

102 Crane Company; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401k Retirement Plan

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Crane Aerospace & Electronics in West Caldwell, NJ seeks a Sr. Machine Operator to manage SMT lines, set up equipment, and ensure high-quality assembly. The role emphasizes procedural adherence, troubleshooting, and cross-training across SMT processes.

The candidate should have 5–10 years of related experience, strong reading of prints, and ability to work a flexible schedule in a manufacturing environment. Strong adherence to safety and quality standards is required.

Qualifications

• Experience with setting up and operating SMT equipment and related processes.
• Ability to read and interpret production or engineering prints.
• Ability to maintain routine records and follow procedures.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, and operate SMT machines in circuit card assembly.
• Make manual adjustments to machine interfaces for optimal performance.
• Support 5S, KPI tracking, and standard work initiatives.
• Train and mentor new operators on essential functions.
• Operate the full SMT line from start to finish and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Problem solving

Troubleshooting

Machine maintenance

Flexibility in schedule

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Europlacer

Ekra stencil

Yestech AOI

Job description

Company Overview

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Sr. Machine Operator at our West Caldwell, NJ location. About Crane: Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Every time you use phone navigation, make a bank transaction or have food delivered to your home, Crane Aerospace & Electronics Microwave product is hard at work. Located in the tight-knit, family-first West Caldwell, NJ., community, our West Caldwell facility supplies industry-leading microwave components and systems for use in space, defense and commercial applications, including GPS III satellites. With more than 60 years of expertise, our Microwave group has proven capabilities in major military, communications, electronic warfare, radar and satellite systems. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!

Job Summary

The Machine Operator Sr. works with computer controlled equipment or more mechanically-based machines to ensure they are set-up properly, working well, and producing high quality products. The Machine Operator Sr. performs recurring assignments proficiently and independently and normally works under minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures and practices.

Essential Functions

• Setup, adjust and operate any or all of the following machines used in circuit card assembly: surface mount technology pick and place, conformal coating and selective solder
• Make manual adjustments to the machine interface and controls, as required, to optimize performance, ensure proper operation, and validate product compliance
• Support Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives including 5S, KPI’s, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other initiatives as they arise
• Meet and establish lead times to support customers’ needs
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment in respective area of responsibility
• Manage consumables in the respective machines
• Train and mentor new Machine Operators on essential functions
• Practice safe work habits as established by OSHA and Crane policy
• Cross trained on all processes in SMT, pulling parts, loading parts, loading trolleys and trays. Operating Stencil Printer, Machine Operator 1 and Machine Operator 2. Inspection (AOI) and PRI (Inspection).
• Create simple to semi-difficult Europlacer component vision packages.
• Create complete Ekra stencil programs, makes adjustments and troubleshoots.
• Operate the entire SMT line and all computers from start to finish.
• Troubleshoot and resolve Europlacer component pickup & placement problems.
• Troubleshoot Europlacer programs with little assistance.
• Create complete Yestech AOI programs and troubleshoot common problems.
• Perform a complete PRI (post reflow inspection) on simple to complex CCA's.
• Any other task assigned by supervisor or management

Non‑Essential Functions

• Generates Non Conformance Reports (NCR) for quality related issues as required
• Create a status report for coworkers on following shift
• Use company intranet and Learning Management System as needed
• Cross-trained in PCC and Wave Solder / Selective Solder

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a related field
• Knowledge: Competent in interpreting applicable specifications and understand operating principles of the machinery; Understand general shop computations
• Skills/Abilities: Problem solving, troubleshooting, and simple machine maintenance skills; Ability to understand oral and written instructions pertaining to work related matter, and to maintain routine records; Accurate color vision and depth perception (other vision capability may be required by area of assignment); Ability to work satisfactorily on a sustained basis within any physical and environmental requirements applicable to area of assignment, e.g., highly repetitive work, hot tools or materials, epoxy or other chemical agents, fumes, noise, oily or similar conditions; Ability to flex work schedule to maintain processes and work flow as needed; Ability to read and understand production or engineering prints, production planning information and assembly aids, such as illustrations
• Education/Certification: High School diploma or equivalent

Eligibility Requirement

This position may require access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US Persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance; knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
• Aerospace experience or manufacturing experience in regulated field

Top Benefits

As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:

• Benefits:
  • Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month
• Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
• 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
• Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment

Working Conditions

Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment. Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE. May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes. Flexible and willing to work overtime if necessary.

• Standing: 75% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
• Sitting: 25% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
• Lifting (in pounds): up to 25 pounds
• Pushing (in pounds): up to 25 pounds
• Mental/Visual: use of computer
• Workspace (line, cube, etc): work station

Salary range

$26.09 - $32.76 Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance-based bonus programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. At Crane, we believe that attracting and retaining the highest quality people is the best insurance of success. Our goal is to recruit talented people and train them within a culture that calls for performance with trust and respect. Join us. The unique backgrounds and differences of our associates make us stronger, more capable, and more successful. Beyond an associate’s base compensation, we reward and reinforce wellbeing with a compelling package of both cash and non-cash benefits, including comprehensive health, wellness incentives, assistance with retirement savings, paid time off, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement — as well as performance-based bonus programs for certain positions. Crane prioritizes career development for our associates. All associates receive an annual development plan that includes a mixture of on-the-job coaching and formal training experiences to support individual development needs. We firmly believe in associate growth that supports career progression and we will proactively support your ongoing career development.