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Surface Mount Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SMT Machine Operator 1st Shift

Boonton, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Responsible for setting up and operating printed circuit board assembly machinery utilizing surface mount technology. Expertise is applied to setting up and using the solder paste screen machine ...

As a Surface Mount Operator SMT you will: * Program, set up, and operate SMT Surface Mount ... The ideal candidate will have: * 1+ year of SMT machine operation and setup experience , including ...

SMT Operator

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

We are currently seeking an experienced individual to operate SMT machines to place surface mount parts on PCBs. The ideal candidate should be familiar with programming equipment such as screen ...

SMT Operator

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$20 - $26.50/hr

We are currently seeking an experienced individual to operate SMT machines to place surface mount parts on PCBs. The ideal candidate should be familiar with programming equipment such as screen ...

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... operating Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment including pick-and-place machines, screen ... printers, and reflow ovens in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Essential Duties ...

Mount (load) components in correct feeder location onto surface mount machinery, using appropriate procedures and work instructions, to produce surface mount assemblies per specification. Manually ...

Mount (load) components in correct feeder location onto surface mount machinery, using appropriate ... Operator should possess but not required, at least one of the following: 1. Training from the ...

SMT / PCB Machine Operator II Job Summary We are seeking an experienced SMT / PCB Machine Operator II to set up, operate, and maintain surface mount technology (SMT) and printed circuit board (PCB ...

SMT Operator

Oldsmar, FL · On-site

$16 - $21.25/hr

... Surface Mount Technology equipment such as X-RAY, Stencil Printing, etc. Requirements: * HM has stated that candidates with machine operator experience do well in this position. * Candidates must be ...

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Surface Mount Machine Operator information

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How much do surface mount machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface mount machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Surface Mount Machine Operators face during production, and how can they be addressed?

Surface Mount Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as component misfeeds, solder paste alignment issues, and machine downtime due to maintenance needs. Addressing these challenges typically involves routine equipment checks, careful setup and calibration, and close attention to quality control procedures. Operators work closely with quality assurance and engineering teams to troubleshoot problems quickly, ensuring smooth production flow and minimizing defects. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols also play a vital role in overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Mount Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Mount Machine Operator, you need knowledge of electronics assembly, soldering techniques, and the ability to interpret assembly drawings, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training in electronics manufacturing. Familiarity with SMT equipment, pick-and-place machines, and quality inspection tools such as AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure high-quality, efficient production of electronic circuit boards and to minimize errors in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Surface Mount Machine Operator vs Pick and Place Machine Operator?

AspectSurface Mount Machine OperatorPick and Place Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentElectronics manufacturing, assembly linesElectronics manufacturing, assembly lines
Industry UsageCommon in PCB assemblyCommon in PCB assembly
Job FocusOperating surface mount machines to place componentsOperating pick and place machines for component placement

Both roles involve operating machinery in electronics manufacturing, with similar credentials and work environments. The main difference lies in the specific equipment used: Surface Mount Machine Operators focus on surface mount technology machines, while Pick and Place Machine Operators handle pick and place equipment. Both roles are essential in PCB assembly and often overlap in daily tasks.

What is a Surface Mount Machine Operator?

A Surface Mount Machine Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating and maintaining surface mount technology (SMT) machines used to place electronic components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). They set up the machines, load components, monitor the assembly process, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. This role requires attention to detail, technical know-how, and often experience with quality control standards in electronics manufacturing. Surface Mount Machine Operators play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and accurate assembly of electronic devices.
More about Surface Mount Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Mount Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Surface Mount Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Surface Mount Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Mount Machine Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surface Mount Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
SMT Machine Operator 1st Shift

SMT Machine Operator 1st Shift

Apidel Technologies

Boonton, NJ • On-site

$17.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

SMT Machine Operator
7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Effective WE 11/25 - all new starts for Boonton will have a 30% increase to their base pay to cover s compensation package. Please inform the contractor that they will lose their 30% increase at conversion but will gain benefits, including PTO and Holiday pay. Please confirm, thank you!
Position Summary:
Responsible for setting up and operating printed circuit board assembly machinery utilizing surface mount technology. Expertise is applied to setting up and using the solder paste screen machine, setting up and operating the surface-mount pick-and-place machine, operating and monitoring the reflow oven, and operating inspection machines using Mycronics, Speedline, and CyberOptics machinery. Responsibilities include accurate set up of the machines, proper feeder and magazine population and placement, application and loading of proper programs, monitoring automatic operations, performing first piece and in-process inspections of all manufacturing runs. Use work order package and utilize on-line bar code reporting system for labor and manufacturing quantities. Manage parts inventory and ensure parts accuracy according to job requirement and monitor usage and scrap. Perform routine machine and accessory maintenance and minor repairs. Works in an ISO 9001-2015 manufacturing environment and adheres to safety and operating procedures as applicable. May operate other printed circuit board assembly machines or performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Reports to the Production Supervisor.
Position Responsibilities:
Prepare machines and ensure proper set-up for desired operation. Reference applicable work instructions (WIS) and standard operating procedures (SOP). Observe safety rules for handling solder and machinery.
Based on work order, select the required parts and load the feeders or use pre-fed magazines and insert them into the dedicated location on the pick and place machine. Ensure that the parts are lined up properly.
Select the applicable machine program and revision number on the computer for the assembly to be populated per work order.
Generate \'layout list showing all components not found or active on the machine but required for the job. Follow the computer screens messages to identify the problem. Change computer flag as necessary, mark the bill of materials with exceptions, check layout again and initiate machine production.
Power up and power down the re-flow oven according to standard operating procedures. Monitor the temperature; select the applicable \'recipe for the assembly in process and monitor the re-flow oven to perform in a manner to ensure that the surface mount components are soldered to the printed circuit board properly.
Perform first piece inspection on paste, parts and solder. Log results into inspection database and consult the quality assurance personnel when necessary.
Monitor and account for parts inventory, perform basic housekeeping and maintenance of machinery. May operate other manufacturing machinery or perform other small assembly-related assignments as required.
Works overtime as required and strives to meet prescribed quality standards in an ISO environment.
Skills And Experience Required:
High school diploma required. Some advanced education preferred.
Must be familiar with the use of personal computers.
One year of experience in the setup and operation of the surface mount board assembly machine.
Must be able to work with limited supervision and be safety- and quality-conscious.
Must be able to communicate and understand directions in English.


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About Apidel Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We understand that attracting, qualifying, placing, and retaining the best candidates for our clients requires exceptional talent. That’s why our highly skilled and dedicated recruitment team works tirelessly to develop lifelong associations with all candidates and clients. We prioritize helping our employees achieve their career goals while providing effective staffing solutions to our clients and candidates. At Apidel, we believe in simple yet established core values that are ingrained within each member of our team. These values are time and again illustrated in our approach to employees, candidates, and clients. Our unwavering belief that our core values of integrity, client satisfaction, innovation, and intellect distinguish us from our competitors is what drives us forward. We remain focused on improving and sustaining a measurable client satisfaction program that has created an organizational culture where our associates provide world-class service every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainfield, IL, US

Year founded

2012