SMT/PCBA Technician

Job Description

Job Description

For more than a decade, Design West Technologies Inc. has been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that support and protect our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next chapter, we are combining our deep defense heritage with the agility and innovation of a start-up culture to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the evolving DoD landscape. Operating from our advanced facilities in Orange County, we are seeking a skilled PCBA Technician to join our manufacturing team.

Position Summary

The SMT/PCBA Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing operations. This role involves configuring and optimizing specialized equipment-including solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, inspection systems, and reflow ovens-while identifying and resolving assembly defects at the component level. Working in accordance with IPC standards, the technician will perform preventative maintenance, support continuous improvement initiatives, and participate in root-cause analysis activities to achieve quality, delivery, and production objectives.

Key Responsibilities

SMT Machine Setup & Operation

• Configure and calibrate solder paste printers, pick-and-place machines, SPI, AOI, and reflow ovens.

• Load feeders, verify components and materials, and perform program loading and alignment checks.

• Execute line changeovers and first-article inspections to ensure setup accuracy.

• Monitor equipment performance and production output to maintain a stable and efficient manufacturing flow.

Process Optimization & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and resolve SMT assembly defects, including misalignment, tombstoning, solder bridging, and missing components.

• Review SPI and AOI inspection results and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Assist with machine setup, operation, troubleshooting, and process adjustments to maintain product quality.

• Support continuous improvement efforts to enhance manufacturing efficiency and process capability.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all products meet IPC-A-610 requirements and internal quality standards.

• Document manufacturing defects and participate in root-cause and corrective action activities.

• Utilize microscopes, multimeters, measurement tools, and rework equipment to inspect and correct assemblies.

Preventative Maintenance & Documentation

• Perform routine cleaning, calibration, and preventative maintenance on SMT equipment.

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, calibrations, inspections, and production line performance in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications

• Education: Diploma or certificate in Electronics, Mechatronics, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

• Experience: 1–3 years of SMT manufacturing experience. Experience with Juki SMT and AOI equipment is highly desirable.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of PCB assembly processes, SMT components, soldering techniques, and manufacturing best practices.

• Certifications: Working knowledge of IPC standards; IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, or related certifications preferred.

• Skills: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), work instructions, and manufacturing documentation. Strong attention to detail and effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Working Conditions: Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a strong focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Flexibility to work rotating shifts and overtime as required by production schedules

Design West Technologies Inc. is an EEO employer including disability/Veterans