Senior Advanced Manufacturing/Production Operator

Job Summary:
The Senior Advanced Manufacturing-Production Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of advanced manufacturing equipment in a high-tech production environment. The role involves the assembly and production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and related electronics components. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing processes, equipment troubleshooting, and quality assurance, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, efficiency, and safety. This is a 3 month contract to hire, candidates must be eligible to obtain a Security clearance.

Responsibilities:

• PCB Assembly and Manufacturing:
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment used in the production of PCBs, including SMT (Surface Mount Technology) machines, wave soldering machines, and reflow ovens.
• Perform manual soldering of fine-pitch components and through-hole technology when necessary.
• Conduct regular inspections and testing of PCB assemblies to ensure compliance with design and quality standards.
• Production Operations:
• Ensure efficient operation of the production line by monitoring key metrics such as cycle time, yield, and downtime.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to resolve process issues, optimize workflows, and implement process improvements.
• Adhere to all production schedules and deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of finished products.
• Equipment Setup & Maintenance:
• Set up and configure machines based on the requirements of each production batch.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration on manufacturing equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and work with the maintenance team for timely repairs to minimize downtime.
• Quality Assurance:
• Conduct quality checks on PCBs during production, ensuring conformance to IPC standards (IPC-A-610 or IPC-7711/7721).
• Record and analyze defect data, implementing corrective actions to enhance product quality and consistency.
• Work closely with the quality team to ensure that all products meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Process Improvement:
• Identify and lead initiatives to improve production processes, increase efficiency, and reduce waste.
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma.
• Stay current on industry best practices and emerging technologies in PCB production and advanced manufacturing.
• Team Leadership & Training:
• Mentor and train junior operators on equipment operation, safety protocols, and best practices.
• Act as a subject matter expert for complex production processes and troubleshooting.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing team.