
SMT specialist at Rocket EMS
Santa Clara,CAFull-timeSMTPosted about 1 month ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<p> </p>
<h3 data-start="432" data-end="454"><strong data-start="436" data-end="454">About the Role</strong></h3>
<p data-start="455" data-end="849">The SMT Specialist is responsible for the setup, operation, optimization, and troubleshooting of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes to ensure high-quality, efficient, and repeatable PCB assembly production. This role supports daily production, new product introductions (NPI), and continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced, high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1041">The ideal candidate has deep hands-on SMT experience, strong process knowledge, and the ability to independently resolve line issues while supporting operators, engineers, and quality teams.</p>
<hr data-start="1043" data-end="1046">
<h3 data-start="1048" data-end="1076"><strong data-start="1052" data-end="1076">Key Responsibilities</strong></h3>
<h4 data-start="1078" data-end="1116"><strong data-start="1083" data-end="1116">SMT Line Operations & Support</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="1117" data-end="1558">
<li data-start="1117" data-end="1265">
<p data-start="1119" data-end="1265">Set up, operate, and support SMT equipment including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI, and supporting automation.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1266" data-end="1369">
<p data-start="1268" data-end="1369">Verify and adjust process parameters to ensure compliance with MPIs, ECOs, and customer requirements.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1370" data-end="1459">
<p data-start="1372" data-end="1459">Perform line changeovers, feeder setup, stencil installation, and program verification.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1460" data-end="1558">
<p data-start="1462" data-end="1558">Monitor line performance and proactively address issues impacting yield, quality, or throughput.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="1560" data-end="1602"><strong data-start="1565" data-end="1602">Troubleshooting & Process Control</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="1603" data-end="1993">
<li data-start="1603" data-end="1732">
<p data-start="1605" data-end="1732">Diagnose and resolve SMT process defects such as insufficient/excess solder, tombstoning, skew, bridging, and placement errors.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1733" data-end="1810">
<p data-start="1735" data-end="1810">Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for SMT-related defects.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1811" data-end="1903">
<p data-start="1813" data-end="1903">Work closely with Quality and Manufacturing Engineering to implement process improvements.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1904" data-end="1993">
<p data-start="1906" data-end="1993">Perform first article verification and assist with line qualifications and validations.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="1995" data-end="2029"><strong data-start="2000" data-end="2029">NPI & Engineering Support</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="2030" data-end="2278">
<li data-start="2030" data-end="2108">
<p data-start="2032" data-end="2108">Support new product introductions (NPI), engineering builds, and pilot runs.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2109" data-end="2183">
<p data-start="2111" data-end="2183">Provide feedback on DFM/DFA issues and assist with process optimization.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2184" data-end="2278">
<p data-start="2186" data-end="2278">Assist with stencil design feedback, component package challenges, and placement strategies.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="2280" data-end="2309"><strong data-start="2285" data-end="2309">Quality & Compliance</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="2310" data-end="2527">
<li data-start="2310" data-end="2403">
<p data-start="2312" data-end="2403">Ensure all SMT processes comply with IPC-A-610, IPC-J-STD-001, and customer specifications.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2404" data-end="2460">
<p data-start="2406" data-end="2460">Maintain ESD, MSD, safety, and housekeeping standards.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2461" data-end="2527">
<p data-start="2463" data-end="2527">Accurately document process changes, deviations, and pass-downs.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="2529" data-end="2559"><strong data-start="2534" data-end="2559">Training & Mentorship</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="2560" data-end="2791">
<li data-start="2560" data-end="2641">
<p data-start="2562" data-end="2641">Train and support SMT operators on proper setup, operation, and best practices.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2642" data-end="2712">
<p data-start="2644" data-end="2712">Serve as a technical resource for operators and leads during shifts.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2713" data-end="2791">
<p data-start="2715" data-end="2791">Promote standard work and consistent process execution across all SMT lines.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2793" data-end="2796">
<h3 data-start="2798" data-end="2829"><strong data-start="2802" data-end="2829">Required Qualifications</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="2830" data-end="3354">
<li data-start="2830" data-end="2922">
<p data-start="2832" data-end="2922">High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certification preferred.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2923" data-end="2997">
<p data-start="2925" data-end="2997">3+ years of hands-on SMT experience in a PCBA manufacturing environment.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2998" data-end="3069">
<p data-start="3000" data-end="3069">Strong working knowledge of SMT processes, components, and materials.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3070" data-end="3142">
<p data-start="3072" data-end="3142">Experience with SMT equipment (pick-and-place, printers, reflow, AOI).</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3143" data-end="3221">
<p data-start="3145" data-end="3221">Ability to read and interpret MPIs, schematics, BOMs, and assembly drawings.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3222" data-end="3288">
<p data-start="3224" data-end="3288">Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001 preferred).</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3289" data-end="3354">
<p data-start="3291" data-end="3354">Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3356" data-end="3359">
<h3 data-start="3361" data-end="3393"><strong data-start="3365" data-end="3393">Preferred Qualifications</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="3394" data-end="3682">
<li data-start="3394" data-end="3437">
<p data-start="3396" data-end="3437">IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3438" data-end="3499">
<p data-start="3440" data-end="3499">Experience in high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3500" data-end="3547">
<p data-start="3502" data-end="3547">NPI and engineering build support experience.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3548" data-end="3623">
<p data-start="3550" data-end="3623">Exposure to AOI programming, feeder maintenance, or stencil optimization.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3624" data-end="3682">
<p data-start="3626" data-end="3682">Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3684" data-end="3687">
<h3 data-start="3689" data-end="3718"><strong data-start="3693" data-end="3718">Skills & Competencies</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="3719" data-end="4032">
<li data-start="3719" data-end="3767">
<p data-start="3721" data-end="3767">Attention to detail and commitment to quality.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3768" data-end="3849">
<p data-start="3770" data-end="3849">Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a production environment.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3850" data-end="3893">
<p data-start="3852" data-end="3893">Strong communication and teamwork skills.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3894" data-end="3957">
<p data-start="3896" data-end="3957">Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3958" data-end="4032">
<p data-start="3960" data-end="4032">Willingness to support flexible schedules or off-shift builds as needed.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="4034" data-end="4037">
<h3 data-start="4039" data-end="4075"><strong data-start="4043" data-end="4075">Physical & Work Requirements</strong></h3>
<ul data-start="4076" data-end="4264">
<li data-start="4076" data-end="4116">
<p data-start="4078" data-end="4116">Ability to stand for extended periods.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4117" data-end="4148">
<p data-start="4119" data-end="4148">Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4149" data-end="4200">
<p data-start="4151" data-end="4200">Frequent use of hand tools and fine motor skills.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="4201" data-end="4264">
<p data-start="4203" data-end="4264">Work in a manufacturing environment requiring ESD compliance.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Pay Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$33</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$33 USD</span></div></div></div>