SPI and Print Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in high-quality, quick-turn and complex prototypes. With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution—from design and fabrication to assembly and testing—all under one roof at its state-of-the-art facilities in Sunnyvale, California. Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational resources. The company offers free online tools such as the Stackup Designer, Impedance Calculator, Material Selector, and BOM and DFM Checkers, along with technical blogs, webinars, design guides, and its SierraConnect community forum. Sierra Circuit serves all industries including aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, building PCBs to the highest industry standards, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

Job Summary: The SPI and Print Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) equipment to ensure accurate inspection of solder paste deposition during the surface mount assembly process. This role is critical for maintaining product quality and identifying solder-related defects early in the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will have experience in SMT production and a strong attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate SPI equipment (e.g., Koh Young, Cyber-Optics, Mirtec, etc.) to inspect solder paste deposits on PCBs.
• Load programs and verify recipes for each production job based on process instructions.
• Perform first article inspections and validate solder paste print quality against specifications.
• Review inspection results and make decisions on pass/fail criteria according to IPC standards.
• Identify and escalate quality issues related to solder paste printing to process or SMT engineers.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of SPI machines.
• Record and maintain inspection data for process tracking and traceability.
• Work closely with the SMT line team to optimize stencil printing process and reduce defects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and root cause analysis activities.

Qualifications/Skills:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certificate or associate degree preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in SMT manufacturing, preferably with SPI equipment.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and SMT inspection standards.
• Ability to interpret assembly drawings and process documents.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use inspection and analysis software.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

MUST be a US Personnel 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The ability to lift 20 lbs., open filing cabinets, and bend, stand, or climb on step ladders as necessary.

ENVIRONMENT: 

• The manufacturing facility is exposed to electronics assembly equipment and materials.
• May require working in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity requirements.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to perform the work.
• Production floor- Machine shop environment

What We Offer

• Competitive Benefits Package – Medical (HMO & PPO), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Basic Life & AD&D, and Voluntary Benefits 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• Wellness Benefits – Gym/Fitness Membership Reimbursement 
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays