SMT Setup Operator (Second Shift) at Rocket EMS in San Jose, CA

SMT Setup Operator

About the Role

As an SMT Setup Operator at Rocket EMS, you will prepare materials, feeders, and equipment for surface mount technology production. You will ensure that each SMT job is set up accurately and efficiently according to the bill of materials, machine program, setup documentation, and customer requirements.

This role works closely with SMT Operators, Material Handling, Quality, Engineering, and Production to support timely line changeovers, accurate component placement, complete material traceability, and reliable PCBA production.

What You’ll Do

• Review production schedules, travelers, bills of materials, setup sheets, and machine load lists before beginning each setup.
• Stage component reels, trays, tubes, feeders, and trolleys required for scheduled SMT production jobs.
• Verify component part numbers, quantities, package types, lot information, polarity, orientation, and feeder locations against approved setup documentation.
• Load component reels into feeders and install feeders onto trolleys or feeder carts according to the machine setup and program requirements.
• Scan and record materials, feeders, and production information as required to maintain accurate component traceability.
• Prepare complete offline setups to minimize machine downtime and support efficient product changeovers.
• Assist with loading, verifying, and changing over SMT pick-and-place equipment.
• Remove feeders and materials after production runs and properly identify, package, and return unused components to the appropriate storage location.
• Follow all electrostatic discharge (ESD) and moisture-sensitive device (MSD) handling requirements, including floor-life and dry-storage controls.
• Inspect feeders, reels, splices, and component packaging for damage, contamination, or other conditions that could affect production.
• Identify and report material shortages, incorrect components, damaged feeders, documentation discrepancies, and other setup-related issues.
• Support feeder cleaning, basic feeder maintenance, and replacement of worn or damaged feeder components as authorized.
• Maintain clean, organized, and clearly identified setup and staging areas in accordance with 5S requirements.
• Communicate job status, shortages, setup concerns, and shift pass-down information to SMT Operators, leads, supervisors, and other affected departments.
• Follow all travelers, manufacturing process instructions, work instructions, quality requirements, and safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on reducing setup errors, shortening changeover times, and improving line utilization.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience with SMT setup, feeder preparation, electronics manufacturing, or material handling is preferred.
• Familiarity with SMT component reels, feeders, trolleys, pick-and-place equipment, and machine setup documentation is a plus.
• Ability to identify electronic components, package types, polarity markings, part numbers, and reference designators.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately follow bills of materials, setup sheets, and written work instructions.
• Basic computer and barcode-scanning skills.
• Understanding of ESD, MSD, component traceability, and material-control requirements is preferred.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 or other electronics manufacturing standards is a plus.
• Ability to recognize and promptly communicate component, material, feeder, or documentation discrepancies.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to learn multiple equipment platforms, customer requirements, and production processes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move component reels, feeders, and setup carts.

Why Join Us

You’ll play a critical role in supporting high-reliability electronics manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and advanced technology programs. Accurate SMT setup is the foundation of a successful production run, and your work will directly influence product quality, equipment utilization, on-time delivery, and mission success.

Pay Range

$20—$25 USD

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.

Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law. #zr