Surface-mount technology machine operator

Surface-mount technology machine operators use surface-mount technology (SMT) machines to mount and solder small electronic components onto printed circuit boards to create surface-mounted devices (SMD).

The following job titles also refer to surface-mount technology machine operator:

surface mount technology machine operator
operator of SMT machine
electronics surface mount soldering machine operator
operator of surface-mount technology machine
SMT machine operator
electronics surface mount soldering operative
soldering machine operative
SMT operator

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a surface-mount technology machine operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Surface-mount technology machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to surface-mount technology machine operator.

wave soldering machine operator
printed circuit board assembler
semiconductor processor
automated optical inspection operator
printed circuit board test technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of surface-mount technology machine operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of surface-mount technology machine operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

microelectronics engineering technician
electronics engineering technician
calibration technician
microsystem engineering technician
computer hardware test technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of surface-mount technology machine operator.

• Circuit diagrams: Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
• Printed circuit boards: Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.
• Surface-mount technology: Surface-mount technology or SMT is a method where the electronic components are placed on the surface of the printed circuit board. SMT components attached in this way are usually sensitive, small components such as resistors, transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.

These skills are necessary for the role of surface-mount technology machine operator.

• Monitor machine operations: Observe machine operations and evaluate product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.
• Solder components onto electronic board: Solder electronic components onto bare electronic boards to create loaded electronic boards using hand soldering tools or soldering machinery.
• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Read assembly drawings: Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Assemble printed circuit boards: Attach electronic components to the printed circuit board through applying soldering techniques. Electronic components are placed in holes in through-hole assembly (THT), or are placed on the surface of PCB in surface-mount assembly (SMT).
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Coat printed circuit board: Add a protective layer of coating to the finished printed circuit board.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Prepare board for soldering: Prepare the loaded printed circuit boards for solder operations. Clean the board and mark designated areas.
• Clean printed circuit board: Clean the printed circuit boards and components as necessary before, during, and after the assembly process.
• Operate SMT placement equipment: Operate surface-mount technology (SMT) machines and equipment to place and solder surface-mount devices (SMD) onto the printed circuit board with high precision.
• Ensure conformity to specifications: Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of surface-mount technology machine operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Microelectronics: Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.
• IPC standards: Standards and guidelines with regards to the use and manufacture of electronics and printed circuit boards. These regulations provide rules and guidelines on topics such as general safety rules, electronic equipment manufacture, electronic equipment testing, and qualifications.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of surface-mount technology machine operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Oversee logistics of finished products: Ensure that the processes of packing, storage and shipment of finished products meet the requirements.
• Dispose of hazardous waste: Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
• Use diagnostic tools for electronic repairs: Use diagnostic equipment to measure current, resistance and voltage. Handle sophisticated multimeters to measure inductance, capacitance and current transistor gain.
• Check for solder defects: Check the printed circuit board for solder defects and make adjustments as required.
• Use CAM software: Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
• Operate wave soldering machine: Operate the wave soldering machine to solder electronic components onto the printed circuit board. Here, the board is moved over a wave of liquid solder and the connections inserted through the board are bonded firmly to the circuit board.
• Operate automated optical inspection machine: Inspect the quality of assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) or surface-mount devices (SMD) through operating the automated optical inspection machine. During each test, dozens of images are captured with a special camera and compared to previous assembled boards.
• Replace defect components: Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
• Maintain electronic systems: Calibrate and maintain electronic systems; execute preventive equipment maintenance tasks.
• Carry out shipping orders for parts: Transfer tools, materials and equipment to warehouse locations for shipping.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Repair electronic components: Repair, replace or adjust damaged electronics components or circuitry; use hand tools and soldering and welding equipment.

8212 – Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

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References

1. Surface-mount technology machine operator – ESCO