SMT Operator Jobs
SMT Operator jobs are open across electronics manufacturing, defense, automotive, and medical device sectors, from entry-level assembly to senior process technician, with specializations in PCB assembly, solder paste inspection, and pick-and-place programming. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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See related jobsLocation: Appleton, WI
Pay: $20.15–$23.50 per hour, based on relevant experience and demonstrated skill level
Schedule: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shift Openings
Shift Differential: 2nd Shift $1.00 3rd Shift $1.50
About the Position
Surface Mount Technology Corporation is looking for Machine Operators to operate and support automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment used to manufacture printed circuit board assemblies.
Depending on experience and demonstrated capability, the position may range from learning basic SMT machine operation and material setup to independently operating a complete SMT line, performing machine adjustments, supporting troubleshooting and working with advanced process controls.
Previous SMT or electronics-manufacturing experience is highly valued, but it is not required for every skill level. SMT will also consider candidates with relevant machine-operation or technical manufacturing experience and entry-level candidates who demonstrate strong mechanical/technical aptitude, reliability, attention to detail and an interest in learning electronics manufacturing.
SMT provides training appropriate to the employee’s starting skill level.
What You May Do
Responsibilities vary based on experience and demonstrated capability and may include:
- Operate SMT production equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens.
- Perform machine and job setup according to documented requirements.
- Load and replenish electronic components into feeders.
- Verify correct materials, programs and setup information.
- Monitor solder paste application and component placement.
- Inspect printed circuit boards before and after the SMT process.
- Perform basic component hand placement when required.
- Use microscopes or other inspection methods to verify process quality.
- Follow written work instructions, assembly documentation and production requirements.
- Perform routine equipment cleaning and daily maintenance.
- Identify process or equipment concerns and communicate them appropriately.
- Maintain accurate production and quality records.
- At more experienced levels, independently operate the complete SMT line.
- Set up feeders, solder paste printers, pick-and-place equipment and reflow ovens.
- Select and verify the correct machine programs.
- Perform approved minor program changes and equipment adjustments.
- Operate X-ray equipment to validate component placement where required.
- Work with AOI and other inspection personnel to maintain process quality.
- Perform first-article activities as assigned.
- At advanced levels, establish or adjust thermal profiles, support machine troubleshooting, perform preventive maintenance, train less-experienced operators and assist Engineering, Quality and Technical personnel.
SMT's existing classifications support this progression. Machine Operator C includes machine tending, SMT setup, paste and stencil care, feeder replenishment, component placement, PCB inspection, microscope inspection and daily maintenance. Machine Operator B adds proficient line setup and operation, program selection, minor adjustments, X-ray use and the ability to independently operate the surface-mount line. Machine Operator A adds high-level proficiency, thermal profiling, troubleshooting support, preventive maintenance, training, process optimization and support of new technology and new-product introductions.
Who Should Apply
We want to hear from candidates who fit any of these paths.
Experienced SMT / Electronics Manufacturing Candidate
You may have professional experience with:
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment
- solder paste printers
- pick-and-place machines
- component feeders
- reflow ovens
- machine setup and changeover
- electronic components
- PCB or PCBA manufacturing
- AOI or X-ray inspection
- machine programs
- SMT line operation
- process monitoring or troubleshooting
Experience in EMS, electronics manufacturing, medical electronics, aerospace/defense electronics, industrial electronics or a similar manufacturing environment is especially valuable.
Related / Transferable Machine Operator Candidate
You may not have operated SMT equipment specifically but have successfully worked with:
- automated manufacturing equipment
- CNC or other programmable production machinery
- machine setup/changeover
- precision manufacturing equipment
- feeder or material-loading systems
- process parameters
- machine inspection or quality checks
- production computers or electronic work instructions
- preventive maintenance
- technical troubleshooting
SMT will evaluate how well those skills and work habits may transfer to electronics manufacturing.
Entry-Level / Trainable Candidate
You may have little or no direct SMT experience.
SMT will consider candidates who demonstrate:
- dependable attendance and follow-through;
- mechanical or technical aptitude;
- strong attention to detail;
- ability to learn equipment and processes;
- comfort using computers and production systems;
- ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions;
- good hand-eye coordination;
- ability to remain focused while monitoring equipment and product quality;
- willingness to accept training and coaching;
- genuine interest in developing machine-operation skills.
Direct SMT experience is valuable, but it is not the only path into SMT's Machine Operator C classification.
What Matters in This Job
Successful candidates need to be able to:
- Work accurately and consistently.
- Follow detailed production and machine instructions.
- Learn equipment setup and operating procedures.
- Pay close attention to machine condition and product quality.
- Work comfortably with computers and automated equipment.
- Recognize when something does not look or operate correctly and communicate the issue.
- Work effectively with production, technical and quality personnel.
- Accept coaching and apply what has been taught.
- Stand for the required portions of the shift.
- Demonstrate dependable attendance and follow-through.
The current Machine Operator C description specifically identifies basic computer skills, attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, the ability to follow instructions, inspection of one's own work and good attendance as foundational requirements.
Experience, Skill Level and Pay
SMT maintains defined Machine Operator skill levels.
Starting level and compensation are based on relevant previous experience and demonstrated capability.
Machine Operator C – $20.15–$21.20/hour
Provides an entry and development path for candidates learning SMT equipment, setup, inspection and production processes.
Machine Operator B – $21.80–$23.35/hour
Reflects demonstrated proficiency and increased independence, including the ability to set up and independently operate SMT equipment and the surface-mount line.
Machine Operator A – $23.50–$25.30/hour
Reflects advanced machine/process capability, including high-level equipment proficiency, troubleshooting support, thermal profiling, maintenance, technical support and assistance in training less-experienced operators.
An applicant's requested wage or years of unrelated manufacturing experience do not determine classification. SMT evaluates the relevance and depth of previous experience and demonstrated ability before determining the appropriate starting level.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This position involves operating and learning automated electronics-manufacturing equipment, completing machine setups, handling electronic components, monitoring product quality and working on 3rd shift. Are you interested in this type of work?
Yes / No
- Which best describes your previous experience?
- Professional SMT / electronics-manufacturing machine operation
- Other electronics-manufacturing experience
- Automated machine operation or technical manufacturing experience
- Other manufacturing or production experience
- I do not have related experience but am interested in learning
- Which of the following have you worked with professionally or through technical training?
- Solder paste printers
- Pick-and-place machines
- SMT feeders
- Reflow ovens
- SMT machine setup/changeovers
- SMT machine programs
- PCB/PCBA manufacturing
- AOI inspection
- X-ray inspection
- Electronic components
- Preventive machine maintenance
- Machine troubleshooting
- Other automated production equipment
- None of these yet
- If you have operated production equipment, which best describes your experience?
- Independently set up and operated automated production equipment
- Operated equipment after another person completed setup
- Assisted with machine setup/changeovers
- Performed basic machine adjustments or troubleshooting
- Primarily performed production work around equipment
- I have not operated manufacturing equipment yet
- Are you comfortable learning computer-controlled production equipment and following detailed setup, operating and quality instructions?
Yes / No
- Briefly describe a machine, technical process, computer system or other detailed task you had to learn and how you learned it.
For experienced candidates, this may show the depth of their technical experience.
For entry-level candidates, it provides evidence of trainability.
Work Location: In person
Location: Appleton, WI
Pay: $20.15–$23.50 per hour, based on relevant experience and demonstrated skill level
Schedule: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shift Openings
Shift Differential: 2nd Shift $1.00 3rd Shift $1.50
About the Position
Surface Mount Technology Corporation is looking for Machine Operators to operate and support automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment used to manufacture printed circuit board assemblies.
Depending on experience and demonstrated capability, the position may range from learning basic SMT machine operation and material setup to independently operating a complete SMT line, performing machine adjustments, supporting troubleshooting and working with advanced process controls.
Previous SMT or electronics-manufacturing experience is highly valued, but it is not required for every skill level. SMT will also consider candidates with relevant machine-operation or technical manufacturing experience and entry-level candidates who demonstrate strong mechanical/technical aptitude, reliability, attention to detail and an interest in learning electronics manufacturing.
SMT provides training appropriate to the employee’s starting skill level.
What You May Do
Responsibilities vary based on experience and demonstrated capability and may include:
- Operate SMT production equipment, including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens.
- Perform machine and job setup according to documented requirements.
- Load and replenish electronic components into feeders.
- Verify correct materials, programs and setup information.
- Monitor solder paste application and component placement.
- Inspect printed circuit boards before and after the SMT process.
- Perform basic component hand placement when required.
- Use microscopes or other inspection methods to verify process quality.
- Follow written work instructions, assembly documentation and production requirements.
- Perform routine equipment cleaning and daily maintenance.
- Identify process or equipment concerns and communicate them appropriately.
- Maintain accurate production and quality records.
- At more experienced levels, independently operate the complete SMT line.
- Set up feeders, solder paste printers, pick-and-place equipment and reflow ovens.
- Select and verify the correct machine programs.
- Perform approved minor program changes and equipment adjustments.
- Operate X-ray equipment to validate component placement where required.
- Work with AOI and other inspection personnel to maintain process quality.
- Perform first-article activities as assigned.
- At advanced levels, establish or adjust thermal profiles, support machine troubleshooting, perform preventive maintenance, train less-experienced operators and assist Engineering, Quality and Technical personnel.
SMT's existing classifications support this progression. Machine Operator C includes machine tending, SMT setup, paste and stencil care, feeder replenishment, component placement, PCB inspection, microscope inspection and daily maintenance. Machine Operator B adds proficient line setup and operation, program selection, minor adjustments, X-ray use and the ability to independently operate the surface-mount line. Machine Operator A adds high-level proficiency, thermal profiling, troubleshooting support, preventive maintenance, training, process optimization and support of new technology and new-product introductions.
Who Should Apply
We want to hear from candidates who fit any of these paths.
Experienced SMT / Electronics Manufacturing Candidate
You may have professional experience with:
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment
- solder paste printers
- pick-and-place machines
- component feeders
- reflow ovens
- machine setup and changeover
- electronic components
- PCB or PCBA manufacturing
- AOI or X-ray inspection
- machine programs
- SMT line operation
- process monitoring or troubleshooting
Experience in EMS, electronics manufacturing, medical electronics, aerospace/defense electronics, industrial electronics or a similar manufacturing environment is especially valuable.
Related / Transferable Machine Operator Candidate
You may not have operated SMT equipment specifically but have successfully worked with:
- automated manufacturing equipment
- CNC or other programmable production machinery
- machine setup/changeover
- precision manufacturing equipment
- feeder or material-loading systems
- process parameters
- machine inspection or quality checks
- production computers or electronic work instructions
- preventive maintenance
- technical troubleshooting
SMT will evaluate how well those skills and work habits may transfer to electronics manufacturing.
Entry-Level / Trainable Candidate
You may have little or no direct SMT experience.
SMT will consider candidates who demonstrate:
- dependable attendance and follow-through;
- mechanical or technical aptitude;
- strong attention to detail;
- ability to learn equipment and processes;
- comfort using computers and production systems;
- ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions;
- good hand-eye coordination;
- ability to remain focused while monitoring equipment and product quality;
- willingness to accept training and coaching;
- genuine interest in developing machine-operation skills.
Direct SMT experience is valuable, but it is not the only path into SMT's Machine Operator C classification.
What Matters in This Job
Successful candidates need to be able to:
- Work accurately and consistently.
- Follow detailed production and machine instructions.
- Learn equipment setup and operating procedures.
- Pay close attention to machine condition and product quality.
- Work comfortably with computers and automated equipment.
- Recognize when something does not look or operate correctly and communicate the issue.
- Work effectively with production, technical and quality personnel.
- Accept coaching and apply what has been taught.
- Stand for the required portions of the shift.
- Demonstrate dependable attendance and follow-through.
The current Machine Operator C description specifically identifies basic computer skills, attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, the ability to follow instructions, inspection of one's own work and good attendance as foundational requirements.
Experience, Skill Level and Pay
SMT maintains defined Machine Operator skill levels.
Starting level and compensation are based on relevant previous experience and demonstrated capability.
Machine Operator C – $20.15–$21.20/hour
Provides an entry and development path for candidates learning SMT equipment, setup, inspection and production processes.
Machine Operator B – $21.80–$23.35/hour
Reflects demonstrated proficiency and increased independence, including the ability to set up and independently operate SMT equipment and the surface-mount line.
Machine Operator A – $23.50–$25.30/hour
Reflects advanced machine/process capability, including high-level equipment proficiency, troubleshooting support, thermal profiling, maintenance, technical support and assistance in training less-experienced operators.
An applicant's requested wage or years of unrelated manufacturing experience do not determine classification. SMT evaluates the relevance and depth of previous experience and demonstrated ability before determining the appropriate starting level.
Pay: $20.00 - $23.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This position involves operating and learning automated electronics-manufacturing equipment, completing machine setups, handling electronic components, monitoring product quality and working on 3rd shift. Are you interested in this type of work?
Yes / No
- Which best describes your previous experience?
- Professional SMT / electronics-manufacturing machine operation
- Other electronics-manufacturing experience
- Automated machine operation or technical manufacturing experience
- Other manufacturing or production experience
- I do not have related experience but am interested in learning
- Which of the following have you worked with professionally or through technical training?
- Solder paste printers
- Pick-and-place machines
- SMT feeders
- Reflow ovens
- SMT machine setup/changeovers
- SMT machine programs
- PCB/PCBA manufacturing
- AOI inspection
- X-ray inspection
- Electronic components
- Preventive machine maintenance
- Machine troubleshooting
- Other automated production equipment
- None of these yet
- If you have operated production equipment, which best describes your experience?
- Independently set up and operated automated production equipment
- Operated equipment after another person completed setup
- Assisted with machine setup/changeovers
- Performed basic machine adjustments or troubleshooting
- Primarily performed production work around equipment
- I have not operated manufacturing equipment yet
- Are you comfortable learning computer-controlled production equipment and following detailed setup, operating and quality instructions?
Yes / No
- Briefly describe a machine, technical process, computer system or other detailed task you had to learn and how you learned it.
For experienced candidates, this may show the depth of their technical experience.
For entry-level candidates, it provides evidence of trainability.
Work Location: In person
See All 5 SMT Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find SMT Operator JobsSMT Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in SMT operator jobs.
- Experience operating pick-and-place, screen printing, and reflow oven equipment
- Knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards for PCB assembly and inspection
- Ability to read and interpret assembly drawings, schematics, and work orders
- High school diploma or GED with vocational or technical training preferred
- Familiarity with ESD handling procedures and cleanroom or controlled environment protocols
- Experience with first-article inspection, SPC data entry, or quality documentation systems
Tips for Your SMT Operator Job Search
Tailor your resume to machine types
List every SMT machine platform you've operated by name, such as screen printers, pick-and-place systems, and reflow ovens. Recruiters search for specific equipment experience, and a generic resume won't surface in filtered applicant pools for specialized lines.
Highlight IPC certifications prominently
IPC-A-610 and IPC-7711/7721 credentials belong near the top of your resume, not buried in a skills list. Many smt operator postings list these as minimum requirements, so make yours easy to spot before a recruiter finishes scanning the first page.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists smt operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter by shift schedule before applying
SMT production lines run on rotating shifts, nights, and weekends. Check the shift requirements in each posting before you apply, so you're not wasting time on roles whose schedules conflict with your availability from the start.
Prepare for a hands-on skills assessment
Many manufacturers ask smt operator candidates to perform a brief practical test, including reading solder joint quality against IPC standards or identifying defects on sample boards. Practice describing your defect-detection process out loud so you can walk an interviewer through your method clearly.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
When evaluating an offer, ask specifically about night and weekend differential rates, since those additions can meaningfully change your total compensation on a rotating schedule. Confirm whether the differential is a flat rate or a percentage so you can compare offers accurately.
SMT Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most smt operators?
The most active employers for smt operators right now are Unigen, Kimchuk, and BAE Systems USA, and the most openings are in California, Wisconsin, and Connecticut, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to concentrate near contract electronics manufacturers and defense-electronics suppliers.
How many smt operator jobs are remote?
About 0% of smt operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of PCB assembly work. The small remote share is mostly process engineering support roles or programming and documentation tasks that don't require physical line presence.
How do you become a smt operator?
Start by completing a vocational electronics program or earning a certificate in electronics assembly or manufacturing technology. Build hands-on familiarity with SMT equipment through coursework, apprenticeships, or entry-level production assistant roles. Earning an IPC-A-610 certification signals readiness to employers. Most operators advance from general assembly into SMT-specific roles after demonstrating consistent quality output on the line.
Can I get hired as a smt operator with little experience?
Yes, many contract manufacturers hire candidates with limited SMT experience if they show strong attention to detail and a background in any production or assembly environment. Completing an IPC-A-610 training course before applying gives you a credential that offsets a thin work history. Entry-level postings often prioritize reliability and dexterity over prior SMT-specific time on the line.
What does the smt operator interview process look like?
Most smt operator interviews begin with a recruiter or HR screen covering availability, shift flexibility, and basic equipment familiarity. A production supervisor or lead technician then conducts a technical interview focused on defect identification, machine setup, and quality standards. Some employers follow with a shop-floor walk or a brief hands-on assessment before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to smt operator jobs?
You can find and apply to smt operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your equipment experience and shift preferences, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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