SMT Setup Operator (Second Shift)

About the Role

What You’ll Do

What We’re Looking For

Why Join Us

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
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Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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