SMT Operator

About AIS

AIS, a division of 1HMX, is a global leader in Human Machine eXperience (HMX) solutions, delivering innovative, high-performance products that power the future of human interaction with technology. Headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 1HMX operates eight manufacturing facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and China, serving customers in the aerospace, medical, industrial, robotics, energy, and gaming industries. Our portfolio includes electro-mechanical assemblies, virtual reality components, infection control interfaces, and industrial and medical display systems. With a focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, we support a wide range of industries from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

Job Overview

The SMT Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring surface mount technology (SMT) production equipment to build high-quality printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) used in our high-performance HMI products. This position runs the SMT line from solder paste printing through placement and reflow, ensuring every board is built to internal standards, IPC workmanship guidelines, internal MAPS, and customer specifications while meeting production schedules.

Primary Responsibilities

Set up and operate SMT line equipment, including solder paste/stencil printers, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens, according to work instructions and production schedules.

Load and verify component reels, trays, and feeders against the bill of materials (BOM) and setup sheets to ensure correct part numbers, values, and polarity.

Perform line changeovers and job setups, including stencil installation, feeder loading, and loading approved machine programs.

Handle and apply solder paste per established procedures, including proper storage, thawing, mixing, and shelf-life tracking.

Monitor machine performance and output throughout the shift; respond to machine alarms, mispicks, and placement errors.

Perform first article checks and in-process visual inspections; review solder paste inspection (SPI) and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) results and escalate defects.

Identify, document, and communicate equipment issues, defects, and quality concerns to the manufacturing lead/supervisor, SMT technicians, and quality teams.

Perform basic troubleshooting and routine preventive maintenance on SMT equipment, such as nozzle cleaning, stencil cleaning, and feeder checks.

Follow moisture-sensitive device (MSD) handling and ESD control procedures at all times.

Maintain accurate production records, setup logs, and material transactions in line with company quality systems.

Keep work areas and equipment clean and organized in support of 5S and safety standards.

Participate in continuous improvement and Lean initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and SMT assembly quality.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training in electronics or manufacturing preferred.

Experience operating automated production equipment in a manufacturing environment.

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.

Ability to read and interpret work instructions, BOMs, setup sheets, diagrams, and MAPS.

Ability to identify electronic components and their markings, values, and polarity.

Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to follow detailed procedures consistently.

Familiarity with IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and ESD practices is highly desirable.

Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with production, quality, and engineering teams.

Computer proficiency for entering production data and accessing work instructions.

Preferred Skills & Experience

1+ years of experience operating SMT equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.

Hands-on experience with pick-and-place, stencil printer, and reflow oven platforms (e.g., Fuji, Juki, Panasonic, Yamaha, Mycronic, DEK, MPM, Heller, BTU).

Experience with SPI and AOI equipment.

Experience with basic machine program edits, feeder setup optimization, or reflow profile verification.

Prior experience in soldering or rework.

IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification.

Understanding of key quality and manufacturing systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or similar).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods, up to a full 10-hour shift.

Frequent repetitive use of hands and fingers, including fine motor skills, for placing, inspecting, and assembling small electronic components.

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials, trays, and component reels weighing up to 25–35 lbs. occasionally, and up to 10 lbs. frequently.

Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping to load/unload equipment and materials at various workstation heights.

Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate machinery, hand tools, and inspection equipment with precision.

Visual acuity (with or without correction) sufficient to identify small components, read work instructions, and detect quality defects; may require use of magnification tools.

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machine noise, solder fumes, and moderate temperature variation; use of PPE (safety glasses, ESD wrist straps, gloves) as required.

Ability to walk the production floor and move between workstations, storage areas, and equipment throughout the shift.

Ability to work overtime and flexible shifts, including occasional evening or weekend hours, as production needs require.

Work Environment

Manufacturing floor environment (may include machine noise, heat from reflow ovens, and odors from solder paste, fluxes, and solvents)

Use of PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, and ESD protection

May involve working with solder paste, chemicals, and cleaning agents

Shift work and occasional overtime may be required to meet production demands