Entry Level Electronic Component Engineer Jobs Near Me

Job Title: SMT Operator / AssemblerJob Description

This full-time SMT Operator/Assembler role supports surface mount electronics production at a manufacturing facility in Westerville, OH. You will set up, operate, and monitor equipment used to assemble printed circuit boards, including stencil printers, pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and related production tools. You will verify materials, follow detailed documentation, and ensure products meet quality and workmanship standards while working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor SMT production equipment, including pick-and-place machines, solder paste printers, reflow ovens, board washing equipment, and related tools.
• Load feeders and verify electronic components against bills of materials, work orders, customer documentation, and internal work instructions.
• Confirm correct part numbers, polarity, orientation, package sizes, feeder locations, and component quantities before and during production.
• Monitor machine operation and identify placement issues, misfeeds, missing components, alignment problems, or other process concerns, and take appropriate corrective actions or escalate as needed.
• Inspect printed circuit board assemblies before, during, and after SMT processing using visual inspection tools, magnification, and microscopes.
• Perform hand placement of components and manual adjustments on printed circuit boards as required.
• Assist with first-piece checks, in-process inspections, and completion of production documentation and travelers.
• Communicate discrepancies in bills of materials, drawings, component markings, work instructions, or machine programs to the designated lead or production leadership.
• Follow IPC workmanship standards, company quality procedures, safety requirements, and customer-specific requirements throughout all production activities.
• Support quick-turn prototype builds, low-volume production, and higher-volume manufacturing runs as needed based on customer and production demands.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper handling and storage of components and materials.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, engineering, and management personnel to meet customer deadlines and quality expectations.
• Use basic computer systems to access work instructions, production documentation, and machine-related information.
• Handle circuit boards and small electronic components safely, using appropriate tools and techniques to prevent damage.

Essential Skills

• Previous experience in SMT operation, electronics assembly, machine operation, or a similar hands-on manufacturing role.
• Ability to read and follow bills of materials, work instructions, assembly drawings, travelers, and production documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify incorrect parts, polarity issues, misaligned components, solder defects, and workmanship concerns.
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and escalate issues when information is unclear or discrepancies are found.
• Comfort working with small electronic components and printed circuit boards.
• Basic computer skills for accessing work instructions, production documentation, and machine-related information.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, use hand tools, handle circuit boards safely, and lift moderate weights as needed.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.
• Hands-on skills in assembly, soldering, electronic assembly, wiring, SMT, surface mount, and SMT assembly.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and perform basic mechanical assembly tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating SMT pick-and-place machines.
• Experience loading feeders and verifying electronic components for SMT production.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Hand soldering, rework, or inspection experience.
• Experience using AOI systems, microscopes, magnifiers, calipers, or other inspection tools.
• Familiarity with electronic component identification, including polarity markings, resistor and capacitor values, IC orientation, and PCB assembly processes.
• Experience in quick-turn, prototype, contract manufacturing, or high-mix/low-volume electronics production environments.

Why Work Here?

This role offers a stable, full-time schedule of 40 hours per week with a consistent day shift and the potential for overtime based on production needs. You benefit from flexible day-shift scheduling options and the ability to adjust hours when needed for personal commitments, supporting healthy work-life balance. After 90 days of employment, fully employer-paid individual health insurance is available, along with access to dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Paid time off provides additional support for rest and personal time. You will work on-site in a stable manufacturing environment in Westerville, OH, contributing to meaningful electronic products while collaborating with a supportive, team-oriented group of professionals.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing environment with a fairly climate-controlled facility. The role involves sitting or standing for extended periods while operating SMT and related production equipment. You will regularly handle small components and wires, use hand tools, and work around production machinery, including pick-and-place machines, solder paste printers, reflow ovens, and board washing equipment. The work requires lifting trays, racks, boxes, or materials as needed and maintaining proper handling of circuit boards and electronic components. Eye/hand coordination, good vision, color recognition, and strong attention to detail are important for success. The standard schedule is a first-shift role, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Westerville, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Westerville,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.