Surface Machine Operator

Accelera; South Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera in South Elgin, IL seeks an SMT Set-Up Operator to prepare and stage feeders, materials, and equipment for SMT production cycles. This temp-to-hire role offers 1st and 2nd shifts with training on the 1st shift, and requires a HS diploma, basic computer skills, and up to 1 year of SMT experience.

Candidates must pass a background check, drug test, and E-Verify screening. Expect duties include organizing components, supporting changeovers, and ensuring smooth production flow by

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year hands-on SMT machinery experience preferred.
• Ability to identify electronic components accurately.
• Familiarity with IPC standards for soldering and SMT placement.
• Ability to interpret assembly drawings to support production goals.
• Strong organizational, detail-oriented, and troubleshooting skills.
• Team-focused attitude and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Configure and disassemble component feeders for pick-and-place equipment.
• Organize materials and feeders to support upcoming production runs.
• Support fellow operators during machine changeover and setups.
• Retrieve components from inventory following pick lists to prepare for runs.

Skills

Feeder setup

Material organization

Changeover support

Inventory picking

Data entry

IPC standards

Component identification

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking an SMT Set-Up Operator to manage the preparation and staging of equipment and materials, which helps maintain high levels of productivity and seamless machine performance during SMT production cycles.

This is a temp-to-hire opportunity located in South Elgin, IL. Compensation ranges from $16.00 to $18.00 hourly based on your background. We offer 1st shift (7:00am - 3:30pm) and 2nd shift (4:00pm - 12:30am) options, with part-time availability on the 2nd shift. Please note that initial training will take place on the 1st shift for several weeks.

Prerequisites

Candidates must provide a resume, complete an interview, and pass a background check, drug test, and E-Verify screening.

Core Duties

• Configure and disassemble component feeders for pick-and-place equipment
• Organize materials and feeders to support upcoming production runs
• Support fellow operators during the machine changeover process
• Retrieve necessary components from inventory and storage areas by following pick lists

Professional Qualifications

• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Prefer at least one year of hands-on experience with SMT machinery
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of how to identify electronic components
• Utilize basic computer proficiency for data entry and Microsoft Office tasksMaintain familiarity with IPC standards for soldering and SMT placement to ensure high-quality output
• Interpret assembly drawings accurately to support production goals
• Exhibit strong organizational capabilities, attention to detail, and effective troubleshooting skills
• Foster a collaborative environment by maintaining a team-focused attitude

Physical Requirements

• Maintain the ability to remain standing for extended durations
• Demonstrate the physical capacity to lift loads weighing up to 50 lbs