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Smt Machine Operator Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

SMT Engineer

Georgetown, TX ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

As an SMT Engineer, you'll be at the center of that transformation, developing and scaling ... operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and ...

Smt Machine Operator information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do smt machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for smt machine operator in Austin, TX is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an SMT machine operator?

SMT machine operators are responsible for surface mount technology (SMT) machinery maintenance, operations, and repair. They use the equipment to solder delicate electrical parts. The solder machine connects electrical components as part of an assembly line, also called a printed circuit assembly. An SMT machine operator understands the basic technology of the equipment and its programming, can set up new orders, and troubleshoot as needed. The job duties include inspecting the final products, recording data output, and meeting all daily quota needs.

What is an SMT machine operator?

An SMT (Surface Mount Technology) Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that place electronic components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a manufacturing environment. They ensure the machines are loaded with the correct components, monitor the assembly process for quality and accuracy, and perform routine maintenance or troubleshooting as needed. SMT Machine Operators play a crucial role in electronics production, helping to ensure that devices are manufactured efficiently and to high quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by SMT machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

SMT Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as managing machine downtime, handling component misfeeds, and maintaining high-quality output under tight production schedules. Staying proactive with routine maintenance and promptly addressing minor equipment issues can reduce unexpected delays. Collaborating closely with quality control and engineering teams also helps in quickly resolving defects or process inconsistencies. Continuous learning and familiarization with updated machine software or new components further enhance efficiency and adaptability in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an SMT machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an SMT (Surface Mount Technology) Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of electronics manufacturing, attention to detail, and preferably experience or training in operating SMT equipment. Familiarity with automated pick-and-place machines, solder paste printers, reflow ovens, and quality control systems like AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues on the production line and coordinate with other team members. These skills are crucial to ensure high-quality electronic assemblies, minimize production errors, and maintain efficient manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Smt Machine Operator vs Smt Technician?

AspectSmt Machine OperatorSmt Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor, operating SMT machinesMaintenance and troubleshooting of SMT equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesSet up, operate, and monitor SMT machinesMaintain, repair, and optimize SMT machinery

The main difference is that Smt Machine Operators focus on running and monitoring SMT machines during production, while Smt Technicians handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Both roles require similar certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but technicians have a more technical and repair-oriented focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Smt Machine Operator jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Smt Machine Operator jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Smt Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Smt Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Smt Machine Operator job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,788 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

SMT Engineer

CelLink Corporation

Georgetown, TX โ€ข On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

CelLink is redefining how power and data move through the world's most advanced electronics, from electric vehicles to hyperscale data centers.
As an SMT Engineer, you'll be at the center of that transformation, developing and scaling manufacturing processes for flex-circuit-based interconnects used in high-density server and rack systems. These circuits enable megawatt-class power delivery and ultra-clean signal integrity for next-generation AI and data infrastructure.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop and tune reflow soldering profiles for advanced power-electronic assemblies, including large copper mass and mixed SMT/through-hole designs.
  • Own the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of reflow ovens, solder paste printing, and other process equipment.
  • Analyze thermal profiles and cross-sections to correlate process parameters with solder joint reliability.
  • Develop and optimize lamination and bonding processes, including press setup, adhesive cure control, and layer alignment.
  • Diagnose and correct leakage, delamination, and voiding issues in laminated or sealed cooling-plate assemblies.
  • Design and release tooling, coupons, and test fixtures in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) to support process development and validation.
  • Interpret and create engineering drawings and GD&T to ensure correct fit, form, and function.
  • Define and execute DOE and characterization tests, including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and visual inspection.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions across soldering, lamination, and bonding processes.
  • Collaborate with Design, Quality, and Operations to transition new processes into scalable production.
  • Maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to all safety and environmental standards.
  • Demonstrate CelLink's core values of integrity, teamwork, self-discipline, and technical excellence.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support evolving business needs.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 3-7 years of experience in process engineering for electronics manufacturing, ideally in high-speed interconnects, flex circuits, or PCB production.
  • Experience with data center or high-current electrical component manufacturing is a strong plus.
  • Deep knowledge of flexible circuit manufacturing, roll-to-roll processes, or high-reliability electronics.
  • Familiarity with power interconnects, busbars, or cable harness replacements used in data center systems.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, JMP, Python preferred) and engineering software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Minitab, etc.).
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to lead cross-functional investigations and corrective actions.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, and highly technical environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with cooling plates, liquid-cooled assemblies, or leak-test methods (helium, pressure decay, bubble, or dye).
  • Background in high-current or high-voltage electronics, such as busbars, power modules, or battery interconnects.
  • Familiarity with thermal characterization, pull/shear testing, or cross-section analysis.
  • Exposure to laser soldering, selective soldering, or bonded multilayer assemblies.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Working Conditions/Hours
Salaried Exempt
$130,000-$160,000 + Stock Option, with the final salary determined by experience and level.
Physical Demands - Office and Manufacturing Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, pull/push, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment -
Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and a shop environment, with exposure to high noise levels from operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and skin exposure to chemicals used to run/maintain machines.
PPE-
May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump caps, gloves, hair nets, masks, & clean-room frocks while adhering to the prescribed safety procedures.
https://www.cellinktechnologies.com/privacy-policy
We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates are essential to our success. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees while building teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. CelLink participates in the E-Verify program in specific locations as required by law.
CelLink was founded in 2012 and entered volume production in 2018. CelLink provides electrical systems to the world's leading automotive OEMs & EV manufacturers, data center developers, and stationary power companies. The company has raised approximately $315M in funding through private investment and multiple grants from the US Department of Energy. CelLink's investors include 3M, Atreides, BMW, BorgWarner, Bosch, D1 Capital, Fidelity, Fontinalis Partners, Ford, Franklin Templeton, Lear, Park West, SK Telecom, Standard Investments, T. Rowe Price, Tinicum, and Whale Rock.