Surface Mount (SMT) Operator

Surface Mount Operator II

Job Title: Surface Mount Operator II
Department: PCB Area
Reports To: PCB Area Supervisor
Location: Binghamton, NY

Position Summary
The Surface Mount Operator II is responsible for the setup, operation, and monitoring of surface mount technology (SMT) equipment used in the assembly of printed circuit boards. This role requires a solid understanding of printed circuit board assembly processes, electronic components, and SMT machine operation.

• SMT Machine Operation & Setup
• Operate and monitor surface mount assembly equipment used to place electronic components onto printed circuit boards.
• Assist with machine setup, including loading feeders, verifying component reels, and preparing production runs according to work instructions.
• Monitor machine performance and production output to ensure consistent component placement and board quality.
• Make minor adjustments to machine settings to maintain proper operation and placement accuracy.
• Component Handling & Material Management
• Load and verify component reels, trays, feeders, and boards prior to production runs.
• Confirm correct part numbers, component values, and placement locations according to assembly documentation.
• Maintain proper handling of electronic components in accordance with ESD control procedures.
• Troubleshooting & Process Support
• Identify and troubleshoot common SMT machine errors, such as feeder issues, placement errors, or component misalignment.
• Work with technicians or supervisors to resolve equipment or process issues that impact production.
• Absorb and assist in identifying root causes of placement or solder-related defects.
• Inspection, Rework & Soldering
• Perform visual inspection of circuit boards to verify component placement, polarity, and orientation.
• Identify common SMT defects such as missing components, misaligned parts, bridging, insufficient solder, or tombstoning.
• Perform solder touch-up or rework on SMT assemblies as needed within the operator’s scope of training.
• Document production counts, machine status, and material usage accurately.
• Documentation & Process Compliance
• Follow work instructions, assembly documentation, and production procedures during all operations.
• Maintain an organized and clean workstation and support overall production efficiency.
• Safety & Continuous Improvement
• Follow all safety procedures and ESD handling requirements.
• Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, or process improvement opportunities to supervision.
• Assist in training or supporting less experienced operators when needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; electronics training or coursework preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience operating SMT equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of printed circuit board assembly processes and electronic components.
• Experience troubleshooting common SMT machine issues and placement errors.
• Working knowledge of soldering techniques and SMT rework practices.
• Ability to identify common solder defects including bridging, cold joints, tombstoning, and insufficient solder.
• Ability to read and follow assembly documentation, work instructions, and visual standards.
• Familiarity with ESD-safe handling practices.

Qualifying Experience

• Experience operating SMT equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of printed circuit board assembly processes and electronic components.
• Experience troubleshooting common SMT machine issues and placement errors.
• Working knowledge of soldering techniques and SMT rework practices.
• Ability to identify common solder defects including bridging, cold joints, tombstoning, and insufficient solder.
• Familiarity with ESD-safe handling practices.

Benefits

At Bose, you're inspired to be and do your best and are rewarded for your unique talents! Our compensation is thoughtfully tailored to your skills, experience, education, and location, and goes beyond base salary. The hiring range for this position in the primary work location of Binghamton, New York is: $17.02-$23.37 per hour.

The hiring range for other Bose work locations may vary. In addition to competitive base pay we offer rewards including bonus programs, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, plus exclusive perks designed to support your wellbeing, and a generous employee discount where you can immerse yourself in our products and experiences.

We are a proudly independent company—driven by purpose, guided by our values, and united by a belief in the power of sound. As the world leader in audio experiences, we’re creating what’s next—pushing boundaries and delivering transformative sound experiences for people everywhere. Join us and make your next career move a mic-drop. Let’s Make Waves.

Bose is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. The EEOC’s “Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal” Poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf.
Bose is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to applicant_disability_accommodationrequest@bose.com. Please include "Application Accommodation Request" in the subject of the email.