Surface-mount Technology Machine Operator Assemblers
SaveWhat Does a Surface-mount Technology Machine Operator Do?
Surface-mount technology machine operators use surface-mount technology (SMT) machines to mount and solder small electronic components onto printed circuit boards to create surface-mounted devices (SMD).
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Where Do I Start?
Printed Circuit Boards
Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Surface-mount Technology Machine Operator
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialPrinted Circuit Boards knowledge
Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCircuit Diagrams knowledge
Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSurface-mount Technology knowledge
Surface-mount technology or SMT is a method where the electronic components are placed on the surface of the printed circuit board. SMT components attached in this way are usually sensitive, …
Recommended Books
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EssentialElectronics knowledge
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialQuality Standards knowledge
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEnsure Conformity To Specifications skill
Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInspect Quality Of Products skill
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Machine Operations skill
Observe machine operations and evaluate product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Assembly Drawings skill
Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRead Standard Blueprints skill
Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialReport Defective Manufacturing Materials skill
Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssemble Printed Circuit Boards skill
Attach electronic components to the printed circuit board through applying soldering techniques. Electronic components are placed in holes in through-hole assembly (THT), or are placed on the surface of PCB …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialClean Printed Circuit Board skill
Clean the printed circuit boards and components as necessary before, during, and after the assembly process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCoat Printed Circuit Board skill
Add a protective layer of coating to the finished printed circuit board.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate SMT Placement Equipment skill
Operate surface-mount technology (SMT) machines and equipment to place and solder surface-mount devices (SMD) onto the printed circuit board with high precision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Board For Soldering skill
Prepare the loaded printed circuit boards for solder operations. Clean the board and mark designated areas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSolder Components Onto Electronic Board skill
Solder electronic components onto bare electronic boards to create loaded electronic boards using hand soldering tools or soldering machinery.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 17 displayed)
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OptionalMicroelectronics knowledge
Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalIPC Standards knowledge
Standards and guidelines with regards to the use and manufacture of electronics and printed circuit boards. These regulations provide rules and guidelines on topics such as general safety rules, electronic …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalApply Health And Safety Standards skill
Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Technical Communication Skills skill
Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDispose Of Hazardous Waste skill
Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalKeep Records Of Work Progress skill
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOversee Logistics Of Finished Products skill
Ensure that the processes of packing, storage and shipment of finished products meet the requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRepair Electronic Components skill
Repair, replace or adjust damaged electronics components or circuitry; use hand tools and soldering and welding equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReplace Defect Components skill
Remove defective parts and replace them with functioning components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalResolve Equipment Malfunctions skill
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse CAM Software skill
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Diagnostic Tools For Electronic Repairs skill
Use diagnostic equipment to measure current, resistance and voltage. Handle sophisticated multimeters to measure inductance, capacitance and current transistor gain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Shipping Orders For Parts skill
Transfer tools, materials and equipment to warehouse locations for shipping.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck For Solder Defects skill
Check the printed circuit board for solder defects and make adjustments as required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Electronic Systems skill
Calibrate and maintain electronic systems; execute preventive equipment maintenance tasks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Automated Optical Inspection Machine skill
Inspect the quality of assembled printed circuit boards (PCB) or surface-mount devices (SMD) through operating the automated optical inspection machine. During each test, dozens of images are captured with a …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Wave Soldering Machine skill
Operate the wave soldering machine to solder electronic components onto the printed circuit board. Here, the board is moved over a wave of liquid solder and the connections inserted through …
Course recommendations coming soon.