SMT Operator Trainee

About the Role

We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) production team. You’ll work hands-on with advanced electronics manufacturing equipment like pick-and-place machines, board destackers, magazine loaders, and reflow ovens, to assemble circuit boards used in our products.

Prior SMT experience is beneficial but not required. We’ll train the right mechanically/electrically inclined, detail-oriented candidate.

Candidates must have access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, operation, and monitoring of SMT production equipment: pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, board destackers, and magazine loaders.
• Load and unload components from reels and trays; scan materials into WIP from inventory and onto machines
• Stage and replace feeders, refill empty reels, and maintain accurate material tracking.
• Verify components against the bill of materials (BOM) for each build.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance: clean and lubricate heads and nozzles, replace filters, check conveyor alignment, and other daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance tasks
• Support AOI and downstream assembly teams to address fallout or defect issues promptly.
• Learn to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical machine errors under supervision.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work area.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality work.
• Mechanically/electrically inclined
• Comfortable working on your feet and moving around throughout an 8-hour shift.
• Reliable and punctual with consistent attendance.
• Willing to closely follow work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Experience running and/or troubleshooting manufacturing equipment or heavy machinery is a plus.

Training & Growth

• Hands-on training on SMT machinery and inspection processes. This is likely to be a 2 to 3 month period, with possible training at our main Houston facility, as well as our partner facility in Sugar Land.
• Opportunities to attend SMT seminars and technical workshops.
• Career growth path toward SMT Technician or Process Engineer roles, depending on performance and aptitude.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Would you be willing and able to undergo periodic training at our partner facility in Sugar Land, TX?
• Would you be willing to travel occasionally for seminars or workshops related to operation and maintenance of SMTs and associated machinery?
• Are you willing to work on your feet for up to 8 hours at a time? Operation of the line entails moving between machines frequently to perform required duties.
• Are you located within Houston, TX or the surrounding area? (Yes/No)
• Do you have any prior experience working in manufacturing?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Houston, TX 77064 (Required)

Work Location: In person