Job Title: SMT Operator – Selective Wave / Wave Soldering ($22-27/hour)
Job Description
This role focuses on setting up, programming, operating, and maintaining selective wave and wave soldering equipment used in PCB assembly. You support production by ensuring high‑quality solder joints, consistent throughput, and strict adherence to IPC and internal quality standards. This position is well suited to individuals with SMT machine or automated soldering experience who enjoy working with precision machinery and structured production workflows.
Work Environment
You work in a large, organized, and clean production facility with multiple departments on the manufacturing floor. The environment is generally quiet, though noise levels can increase during certain periods due to operating machinery, especially in the morning, and become quieter in the afternoon. You may occasionally be exposed to dust, solder, metals, higher noise levels, and physical hazards associated with moving equipment and machine parts, and you follow all safety protocols to manage these exposures. The culture emphasizes head‑down productivity, teamwork, and a positive attitude, with cross‑training opportunities available across departments to support skill development and team flexibility. The workplace fosters a positive, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere with a diverse mix of team members. You will be part of a production team of approximately 50 people. The dress code includes wearing a provided smock on the production floor, shoe covers, ear plugs, and goggles as needed, along with closed‑toe shoes. The primary shift for this role runs from 3:30 p.m. to midnight, with initial training conducted on a day shift for approximately two weeks. You typically remain seated at your station for most of the day while performing detailed assembly and soldering tasks.
Responsibilities
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Set up selective wave and wave soldering machines by loading solder pallets, fixtures, flux, solder bars, and assemblies, and verify that all tooling and configurations match job requirements.
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Program soldering equipment by creating, modifying, and optimizing soldering programs, including nozzle paths, preheat profiles, conveyor speeds, and solder parameters.
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Operate soldering equipment during production runs, monitor machine performance, and adjust process parameters as needed to maintain consistent solder quality and throughput.
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Inspect solder joints during and after soldering operations, verify proper wetting, identify bridging, skips, and other defects, and make real‑time corrections to the process.
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Perform visual inspections in accordance with IPC‑A‑610 standards, document defects accurately, and collaborate with quality teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
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Carry out routine maintenance such as cleaning nozzles, maintaining flux systems, checking solder pot levels, and performing basic mechanical troubleshooting on the equipment.
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Support SMT production lines by assisting with upstream and downstream processes, including reflow, AOI, hand soldering, and other related tasks when required.
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Follow established work instructions, process documentation, and quality procedures to ensure consistent and repeatable production results.
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Record machine settings, lot numbers, maintenance activities, and production data accurately in logs and tracking systems.
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Perform soldering, testing, and rework on PCB assemblies as needed, ensuring compliance with IPC and internal standards.
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Interpret and work from schematics, drawings, and other technical documentation to support assembly and soldering tasks.
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Handle SMT and through‑hole assembly, including mechanical, electrical, and PCBA assembly, as well as SMT and through‑hole soldering operations.
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Manage multiple tasks and production priorities concurrently in a dynamic environment where interruptions may occur.
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Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation and follow all safety guidelines when working around solder, metals, machinery, and moving equipment.
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Collaborate with team members and other departments to support continuous improvement initiatives and cross‑training opportunities.
Essential Skills
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Minimum 1 year of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry, specifically in SMT, selective soldering, or selective wave soldering operations.
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Hands‑on experience operating SMT machines, selective wave soldering, or wave soldering equipment in a PCB assembly environment.
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Proficient written and verbal communication skills to perform product inspections, describe defects clearly, and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
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Strong organization and attention to detail to ensure accurate setups, documentation, and defect recording.
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Quality‑focused mindset with a willingness to challenge the status quo and contribute to continuous improvement.
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Demonstrated knowledge of IPC standards, including IPC‑A‑610, IPC J‑STD‑001, and IPC‑A‑600.
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Ability to interpret schematics, drawings, and technical documentation to support assembly and soldering tasks.
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Above‑average attention and concentration, with the ability to manage multiple activities concurrently in an environment with ongoing interruptions.
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Ability to distinguish different colours accurately for component, wiring, and defect identification.
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Experience with SMT and through‑hole assembly, including mechanical assembly, electrical assembly, soldering assembly, PCBA assembly, SMT soldering, and through‑hole soldering.
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Proficiency in soldering, testing, and rework of PCB assemblies.
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Flexibility and adaptability to support different processes and shifts as required.
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Strong multitasking skills and the ability to prioritize work effectively.
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High level of attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience working with automated soldering equipment and precision machinery in an electronics manufacturing environment.
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Familiarity with IPC certification or training related to IPC‑A‑610, IPC J‑STD‑001, or IPC‑A‑600.
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Comfort working in a structured production environment with defined workflows and quality standards.
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Interest in learning additional skilled processes such as soldering, SMT operations, and CNC laser work.
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Openness to cross‑training across departments to expand skills and support team flexibility.
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Ability to work effectively in a head‑down, team‑oriented environment with a positive attitude.
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Willingness to participate in continuous improvement activities and support process optimization.
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Eligibility to work in the country where the role is located, in accordance with applicable requirements.
Why Work Here?
You join a growing electronics manufacturer that offers stability, skill development, and exposure to high‑tech projects. The environment is clean, organized, and team‑oriented, with friendly coworkers and a culture that values respect, collaboration, and continuous learning. You benefit from social events, occasional breakfasts and snacks, and complimentary coffee and tea, helping to create a welcoming workplace. The facility is transit accessible, making commuting easier. You have the opportunity to learn more advanced assembly processes, including soldering, SMT, and CNC laser work, and to cross‑train across departments to broaden your experience. As the company expands and orders increase, there is potential for contract extensions and long‑term opportunities. If you receive a permanent offer, you become eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, vacation, and additional benefits to be defined.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Burnaby, BC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Burnaby,BC.
Aerotek® Inc. fournit des solutions de dotation en personnel et de services dans les domaines de la fabrication, de la logistique, de la construction, de l’aviation, des installations et de la maintenance. Nous offrons l’expertise, les solutions et les personnes nécessaires pour relever les défis de l’industrie nord-américaine. Basée à Hanover, au Maryland, Aerotek exploite un réseau unifié de plus de 200 bureaux à travers l’Amérique du Nord, soutenant plus de 18 000 clients chaque année. Aerotek est une entreprise du groupe Allegis, leader mondial en ressources humaines et solutions d’affaires. Pour en savoir plus, visitez: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offre un salaire hebdomadaire, des avantages sociaux y compris des soins médicaux, des soins dentaires et des soins de la vue, ainsi qu’un programme d’aide aux employés et un programme de rabais.
La société souscrit au principe d’égalité d’accès à l’emploi et examinera toutes les candidatures sans tenir compte de la race, du sexe, de l’âge, de la couleur, de la religion, de l’origine nationale, du statut de vétéran, de handicap, de l’orientation sexuelle, de l’identité de genre, de l’information génétique ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi.
Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco:
Conformément à l’Ordonnance sur l’égalité des chances de San Francisco, pour tous les postes situés dans la ville et le comté de San Francisco, nous examinerons les candidatures des personnes qualifiées ayant un casier judiciaire ou des antécédents criminels.
Utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle (IA):
Nous pouvons utiliser l’intelligence artificielle (IA) pour soutenir certaines étapes de notre processus d’embauche, notamment la recherche, la présélection et l’évaluation des candidatures. L’IA aide à analyser les candidatures et les qualifications, mais les décisions finales sont prises par notre équipe de recrutement. En soumettant votre candidature, vous reconnaissez et acceptez que celle-ci puisse être examinée à l’aide d’outils d’IA.
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, employee assistance and discount programs.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
