Surface Mount Operator

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals – Mesa is seeking an experienced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment Operator to support PCB assembly operations in a growing electronics manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have hands-on machine operation expertise and contribute to process development, optimization, and continuous improvement.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of SMT experience and be able to set up, program, and operate pick-and-place machines, stencil printers,

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on SMT equipment experience.
• Experience with pick-and-place, stencil printing, and reflow oven operations.
• Assembleon and Yamaha equipment experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, ESD controls, and ISO 9001 / AS9100.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate SMT pick-and-place machines.
• Set up and operate automatic stencil printers, including solder paste inspection.
• Set up, profile, and operate convection reflow ovens.
• Perform manual component placement and rework as required.
• Inspect populated PCBs per IPC-A-610 standards.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on SMT equipment.
• Help establish and document SMT processes and SOPs.
• Read assembly drawings, travelers, and process documentation.
• Maintain component traceability and inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with ESD, ISO 9001, and AS9100.

Skills

SMT equipment operation

Pick-and-place machines

Stencil printing

Reflow ovens

IPC-A-610

ESD/ISO9001/AS9100 awareness

Tools

Assembleon equipment

Yamaha equipment

Job description

Position: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment Operator / Process Technician

Location: Mesa, AZ
Pay Rate: $18–$23 per hour (DOE)
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire / Long-Term Opportunity

Job Summary

Express Employment Professionals – Mesa is seeking an experienced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Equipment Operator to support and enhance PCB assembly operations for a growing electronics manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a seasoned SMT professional with strong hands‑on machine operation experience who can also contribute to process development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of SMT experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate surface mount pick-and-place machines to ensure accurate and efficient component placement.


• Set up and operate automatic stencil printers, including alignment verification and solder paste inspection.


• Set up, profile, and operate convection reflow ovens to meet product and process specifications.


• Perform manual component placement, touch‑up, and rework as required.


• Conduct in‑process and final inspections of populated printed circuit boards in accordance with IPC‑A‑610 standards.


• Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on SMT equipment to minimize downtime.


• Assist in establishing, documenting, and improving SMT assembly processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.


• Read and interpret assembly drawings, travelers, and process documentation.


• Accurately identify electronic components and maintain strict component traceability and inventory control.


• Ensure compliance with ESD, ISO 9001, and AS9100 quality system requirements.


• Communicate effectively with engineering, quality, and production teams to resolve issues and improve throughput.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience operating SMT equipment in a production environment.


• Proven experience with pick‑and‑place, stencil printing, and reflow oven operations.


• Assembleon and Yamaha equipment experience strongly preferred.


• Solid understanding of IPC‑A‑610 workmanship standards, ESD controls, and ISO 9001 / AS9100 quality systems.


• Strong ability to read, understand, and follow detailed written and verbal instructions.


• Demonstrated ability to identify electronic components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, polarity‑sensitive parts, etc.).


• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to accurately count and track parts.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.


• Ability to work independently while supporting team‑based manufacturing goals.