SMT Operator

Description

Reporting structure:

· Reports to SMT Supervisor

Overall position description:
Key responsibilities: include setting up SMT lines (screen printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens), performing quality inspections, troubleshooting defects, and conducting routine maintenance and calibration of equipment.

Essential functions of the job:

• Machine Operation: Set up and operate SMT equipment according to work order instructions. Includes inspecting and loading parts, validating components, and monitoring operation of equipment.
• Production monitoring: Monitor the production line to ensure efficient operation and quality control, adjust as needed.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve technical issues with SMT processes and equipment, often collaborating with      engineering teams.
• Maintenance and calibration: Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all safety regulations and standards, maintain a clean work environment, and follow traveler and routing instructions.

Requirements

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

 

• Technical skills: Proficient in using required SMT equipment, knowledge of electronics, and soldering skills a plus.
• Attention to detail: Exhibits a high degree of accuracy which is required to ensure precise component placement and quality.
• Manual dexterity: Excellent fine motor skills and eyesight are necessary for handling and placement of small electronic components.
• Teamwork: Must be able to work collaboratively with other technicians, engineers, and operators.
• Soft Skills: Excellent attention to detail, manual dexterity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environmen

Required education and experience:

• Education: Typically requires a high school diploma or GED, with specialized training or certification in SMT being a significant asset. 
•  Experience: Previous hands-on experience (typically 2-5 years) operating, programming, and maintaining SMT equipment in a manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• Certifications: Proficiency in soldering and de-soldering techniques, with IPC-610 or J-STD-001 certification often a plus

A description of the physical demands:

Physical Demands: The role involves hands-on work and can require standing or sitting for long periods. It may involve some occasional lifting (generally not exceeding 25 pounds) and requires good manual dexterity and vision (often with magnification aids) to work with small components

A description of the work environment:

Team-Oriented: Technicians usually work as part of a team, collaborating with other operators, quality control personnel, and engineers to ensure smooth production and address challenges quickly.

Controlled Environment: The workshop conditions are strictly regulated to ensure product quality and equipment function. This often means maintaining a specific ambient temperature (ideally 23±3°C or 68-78°F) and controlled humidity (typically 30% to 70% RH), and keeping the area clean and free of dust.    

Noise Levels: The environment can be noisy due to operating machinery, with noise levels controlled within specific limits (e.g., 70dBA), but generally considered moderate. 

VIRTEX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Citizenship Requirements

Due to the type of work at the VIRTEX Plano, Texas facility a successful applicants must be a "U.S. Person" (US citizens, US nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees or refugees).