SMT Operator

Position: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Operator

Location: San Jose, CA

Employment Type: Contract / Temp-to-Hire

Shifts Available:

• Day Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Swing Shift: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM
  (Must be open to overtime and occasional weekend shifts based on production volume)
  Pay Rate: $23-25.00 / hour

Position Overview

We are seeking an attentive and detail-oriented SMT Operator to support high-reliability printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) production. In this role, you will be responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining surface-mount assembly equipment—including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, and reflow ovens—ensuring high throughput and adherence to quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor automated SMT assembly line machinery (screen printers, pick-and-place placement machines, reflow ovens).
• Load component reels, trays, and feeders; verify part numbers, lot codes, and polarity against Manufacturing Process Instructions (MPIs) and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform initial visual inspections of solder paste deposition and placed components (checking for skew, tombstoning, missing parts, or incorrect orientation).
• Follow detailed SOPs, complete production travelers, and record output, scrap, or defect data accurately.
• Perform feeder replenishment, component splicing, stencil cleaning, and basic routine machine care to minimize line downtime.
• Communicate clearly with machine programmers, rework technicians, and quality inspectors to resolve build discrepancies promptly.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum of 1+ years of hands-on experience operating SMT machines in an electronics manufacturing or PCBA environment. Can consider no SMT experience but must have manufacturing operator experience and willingness to learn.
• Strong ability to read, comprehend, and follow written SOPs, MPIs, and assembly drawings.
• Familiarity with surface-mount components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, BGAs, QFPs) and polarity identification.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Willingness and availability to work overtime and weekend shifts when required.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 inspection standards and ESD safe-handling practices.

ATR International is a staffing and workforce solutions firm providing high‐quality talent across a wide range of industries, including technology, operations, and professional services.