SMT Pick and Place Operator

General Overview of Position With this new position Parallax aims to improve our USA manufacturing throughput in a time when most companies normally only send work offshore. This raises the standard for requiring efficient use of our Pick and Place machine, as our labor costs will always be higher than our Asian counterparts. Parallax does a large number of setup-intense, lower-volume SMT production runs in Rocklin. These production runs require programming our Assembleon pick and place machine, importing and configuring files, setting up the machine for a production run, manually stencil the PCBs, and then placing the parts on the boards. This process is very fast-paced and is repeated many times per week. The company’s products are recognized for high quality, attention to detail and precision manufacturing. This position is married to a machine – it requires an intimate relationship similar to a craftsman and his tools. A successful candidate will be immersed in the industry with experience as an active participant in industry discussion forums, having familiarity with applicable technical publications, and the ability to proactively find solutions to problems encountered. Due to the high number of machine setups and variety of products built, it is imperative that the successful candidate adhere to the most efficient standards of workplace organization and established inventory control procedures (Parallax has 99.7% inventory accuracy that we expect to maintain). Additionally, this position operates within a small production department. This requires a confident and interactive individual who works well with others and can actively train a second SMT Operator as backup and for daily assistance to get the job accomplished. Working as a team is as important as the ability to work alone. This position is a regular full-time and non-exempt level position that requires working in the Rocklin, CA facility, reporting to Parallax’s Manufacturing Manager. Requirements: • Pick and place machine programming from file import via CAD and configuration from physical PCBs. • Pick and place machine operation experience is required (at least 3-5 years). • Significant experience with the following equipment: Heller reflow ovens; Assembleon Pick and Place; etc. • Solid understanding of SMT components and the methods of pick and place feeder setup used for these parts and with RoHS manufacturing processes. • A thorough understanding of solder paste technology coupled with SMT stencil requirements. • Ability to demonstrate deep knowledge of pick and place machine programming from CAD file import to Assembleon machine language and manually teach Assembleon machine using physical PCBs. • Experience with process-oriented workflow layouts, and the ability to identify and act upon efficient improvements. • Ability to provide clear and concise feedback to engineering from pick and place file transfer enhancements. • Able to communicate clearly in English both verbally and written. • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook and Word). Pick and Place Machine Duties: • Program and run an Assembleon Opal pick and place machine. • Demonstrate a good understanding of the pick and place machine’s capabilities. • Work cohesively with the secondary machine operator. • Record accurate labor time for labor costing. • Load SMT machine feeders and track all parts used for each job. • Able to identify and communicate process improvements to the Manufacturing Manager. • Ensure quality control. General Manufacturing Duties: • Regularly utilize ESD (Electrostatic Discharge Precautions) for components and products. • Perform daily and weekly cleanup and keep an organized work area. • Manually stencil circuit boards with solder paste. • Verify reflow oven process and make adjustments as needed. • Ensure quality control. • Any other duties as needed or assigned. • Enthusiasm, positive attitude, ability to work well with others and a friendly, polite demeanor. • Willing and motivated to learn more about the above items as necessary. • Able to contribute to cooperative meetings. • Able to take on new tasks that arise from future needs in the department/company. Salary determined on employment, commensurate with experience, qualifications and enthusiasm. Application consists of a cover letter, three industry references, and resume to: Human Resources Manager 599 Menlo Drive Rocklin, CA 95765 Fax (916) 624-8003 jobs@parallax.com