Automation Equipment Maintenance Tech (SMT Equipment)

About the Role

The Expert Technician for Automation Equipment Maintenance is responsible for the installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, with a primary focus on Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production lines. This role ensures maximum equipment uptime, product quality, process stability, and compliance with safety and manufacturing standards. The technician serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for SMT and factory automation systems, supporting production, engineering, and quality teams to achieve operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting:
  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on SMT and automation equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, servo, and robotic systems.
  • Diagnose equipment failures using root cause analysis techniques.
  • Minimize production downtime through rapid response and effective problem resolution.
  • Maintain equipment according to OEM specifications and maintenance schedules.
• SMT Equipment Support:
  • Maintain and troubleshoot equipment including:
    • Solder Paste Screen Printers
    • SPI (Solder Paste Inspection) Systems
    • Pick-and-Place Machines
    • Reflow Ovens
    • AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) Systems
    • X-Ray Inspection Equipment
    • PCB Conveyors and Handling Systems
    • Wave Soldering Equipment
    • Selective Soldering Systems
    • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
• Automation Systems Maintenance:
  • Support PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
  • Troubleshoot industrial automation systems and communication networks.
  • Maintain robotic systems, servo drives, motion control systems, and machine vision systems.
  • Configure and diagnose sensors, encoders, actuators, and control devices.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Analyze recurring equipment issues and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Lead TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) initiatives.
  • Recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements.
  • Participate in Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing projects.
  • Improve OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) metrics.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and work orders.
  • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance instructions.
  • Prepare technical reports and downtime analysis.
  • Manage spare parts inventory and critical equipment lists.
• Training & Support:
  • Train operators and junior technicians on equipment operation and basic troubleshooting.
  • Provide technical support to production and engineering teams.
  • Coordinate with equipment vendors for complex repairs and upgrades.
• Safety & Compliance:
  • Ensure compliance with EHS regulations and company safety standards.
  • Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
  • Support ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) control requirements.
  • Maintain compliance with ISO, IPC, and customer quality standards.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree or Diploma in Electronics, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Industrial Technology, and/or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in SMT equipment maintenance and automation systems.
• Proven experience in high-volume electronics manufacturing environments.
• Experience with automated assembly equipment and industrial controls.
• SMT equipment experience with one or more of the following: SMT Equipment, Screen Printers, Inspection Systems, AOI Equipment, Reflow Ovens.
• Experience in automation & controls such as PLC programming and troubleshooting, Servo systems, robotics, machine vision systems.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
• Knowledge of motors, drives, sensors, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, thermal cameras, vibration analyzers.

Skills

• Advanced Troubleshooting Skills
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Preventive/Predictive Maintenance
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving Under Pressure
• Team Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Work Environment

• Electronics Manufacturing Facility
• SMT Production Lines
• Automated Assembly Operations
• Rotating Shifts or On-Call Support as Required
• Exposure to Production Floor Conditions and ESD-Controlled Areas