SMT Operator

About AIS

AIS, a division of 1HMX, is a global leader in Human Machine eXperience (HMX) solutions. Headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 1HMX operates eight manufacturing facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and China, serving the aerospace, medical, industrial, robotics, energy, and gaming industries.

Position Summary

The SMT Operator sets up, operates, and monitors surface mount technology (SMT) production equipment to build high-quality printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) for AIS human-machine interface (HMI) products. The operator runs the SMT line from solder paste printing through component placement and reflow, ensuring every board meets internal standards, IPC workmanship guidelines, internal MAPS, and customer specifications while meeting production schedules.

Primary Responsibilities

• Setup & Changeover - Set up SMT line equipment (stencil printers, pick-and-place, reflow ovens) per work instructions and schedule; install stencils, load feeders, and load approved machine programs.
• Material Verification - Load and verify reels, trays, and feeders against the BOM and setup sheets for correct part number, value, and polarity.
• Solder Paste Handling - Store, thaw, mix, and apply solder paste per procedure; track shelf life.
• Operation & Monitoring - Monitor machine performance and output through the shift; respond to alarms, mispicks, and placement errors.
• Quality & Inspection - Perform first article checks and in-process visual inspections; review SPI and AOI results and escalate defects.
• Maintenance - Perform basic troubleshooting and routine PM (nozzle cleaning, stencil cleaning, feeder checks).
• ESD / MSD Control - Follow moisture-sensitive device (MSD) handling and ESD control procedures at all times.
• Documentation - Maintain accurate production records, setup logs, and material transactions per the quality system.
• Communication - Report equipment issues, defects, and quality concerns to the lead/supervisor, SMT technicians, and Quality.
• 5S & Improvement - Keep work areas clean and organized (5S); take part in Lean and continuous improvement for throughput, yield, and 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.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions, BOMs, setup sheets, diagrams, and MAPS.
• Ability to identify electronic components and their markings, values, and polarity.
• Strong attention to detail, basic mechanical aptitude, and ability to follow detailed procedures consistently.
• Good communication skills and computer proficiency for entering production data and accessing work instructions.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 1+ years operating SMT equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with pick-and-place, stencil printer, reflow, SPI, and AOI platforms (e.g., Fuji, Juki, Panasonic, Yamaha, Mycronic, DEK, MPM, Heller, BTU).
• Basic machine program edits, feeder setup optimization, or reflow profile verification.
• Soldering or rework experience; IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or similar quality systems.

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

• Standing / Sitting - Extended periods, up to a full 10 + hour shift.
• Lifting - Up to 25–35 lbs. occasionally; up to 10 lbs. frequently (materials, trays, reels).
• Hands & Fine Motor - Frequent repetitive use of hands and fingers; dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate machinery, hand tools, and inspection equipment.
• Movement - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping; walking between workstations, storage, and equipment.
• Vision - Visual acuity (with or without correction) to identify small components and detect defects; may use magnification.
• Schedule - Overtime and flexible shifts, including occasional evenings or weekends, as production requires.

Work Environment

• Noise & heat: Machine noise and heat from reflow ovens.
• Chemicals: Solder paste, fluxes, solvents, and cleaning agents; odors and solder fumes may be present. Follow the SDS and Hazard Communication training.
• ESD: ESD-protected area; grounding and handling controls apply at all times.
• Schedule: Shift work and occasional overtime may be required to meet production demands.