Role Summary
The AOI Operator is responsible for assembling, testing, inspecting, and packaging electronic components and products according to established production procedures, quality standards, and production schedules. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety guidelines, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
Core Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and monitor Mirtec 3D Automated Optical Inspection equipment.
- Create, modify, optimize, and debug AOI inspection programs for new and existing PCB assemblies.
- Review customer drawings, bills of materials, assembly documentation, and approved samples to establish appropriate inspection criteria.
- Inspect printed circuit board assemblies for defects, including:
o Missing, incorrect, or misaligned components
o Component polarity and orientation errors
o Solder bridges, insufficient solder, and excessive solder
o Lifted leads and lead coplanarity issues
o Tombstone or skewed components
o Wrong component values or package types
o Damaged components, boards, or solder joints
- Accurately classify AOI findings as confirmed defects, acceptable conditions, or false calls.
- Perform detailed visual inspection using microscopes and other inspection tools when additional verification is required.
- Adjust inspection parameters to improve defect detection while minimizing false-call rates.
- Escalate confirmed defects and recurring process issues to Production, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Engineering.
- Record inspection results, defect data, rework requirements, and production information accurately in applicable systems and documentation.
- Support first-article inspection, new product introduction, engineering builds, and process validation activities.
- Work closely with SMT operators, inspectors, technicians, engineers, and quality personnel to resolve inspection and assembly issues.
- Assist with root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to recurring manufacturing defects.
- Verify that repaired or reworked assemblies meet applicable workmanship and customer requirements.
- Follow approved work instructions, quality procedures, process controls, and document-control requirements.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in accordance with 5S and company safety expectations.
- Perform routine equipment checks and coordinate maintenance or technical support when equipment issues arise.
- Handle printed circuit board assemblies in accordance with ESD-control procedures.
- Support production schedules, customer priorities, and overtime requirements when necessary.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Three to five years of experience operating Automated Optical Inspection equipment in an electronics manufacturing or PCB assembly environment.
- Demonstrated experience operating Mirtec 3D AOI equipment.
- Hands-on experience creating, programming, debugging, and optimizing AOI inspection programs.
- Strong knowledge of printed circuit board assembly and surface-mount technology processes.
- Experience inspecting SMT and through-hole PCB assemblies.
- IPC-A-610 certification or documented previous certification and the ability to become recertified.
- Working knowledge of electronic component identification, package types, polarity markings, solder-joint criteria, and common PCB assembly defects.
- Ability to read and interpret:
o Assembly drawings
o Bills of materials
o Work instructions
o Customer specifications
o Component documentation
o Quality requirements
- Ability to use microscopes, inspection equipment, computers, and manufacturing software.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to make consistent inspection decisions.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production, engineering, and quality personnel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
- Basic computer proficiency, including data entry and electronic documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current IPC-A-610 certification.
- Experience working in an ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or similarly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, or other high-reliability electronics programs.
- Experience with first-article inspection and new product introduction.
- Familiarity with IPC J-STD-001 workmanship requirements.
- Experience analyzing AOI defect trends and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of SMT printing, component placement, reflow, and associated process variables.
- Experience with manufacturing execution systems, ERP systems, or electronic quality records.
- Familiarity with ESD-control requirements and industry-standard handling practices.
Key Competencies
- Quality and workmanship focus
- Attention to detail
- Technical problem-solving
- Inspection judgment
- Equipment programming
- Process discipline
- Documentation accuracy
- Team collaboration
- Reliability and accountability
- Continuous-improvement mindset
Working Conditions
Physical Requirements:
- Quality and workmanship focus
- Attention to detail
- Technical problem-solving
- Inspection judgment
- Equipment programming
- Process discipline
- Documentation accuracy
- Team collaboration
- Reliability and accountability
- Continuous-improvement mindset
Work Environment
- The AOI Operator works in an electronics manufacturing environment supporting PCB assembly operations. The position may require interaction with automated equipment, production machinery, inspection systems, soldering operations, and materials subject to ESD-control requirements.
- Employees are expected to follow all company safety, quality, security, confidentiality, and regulatory procedures.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
