Surface Mount (SMT) Operator

At Bose Corporation, we believe sound is the most powerful force on earth — and for over 60 years, we have been a company built on innovation, excellence, and independence. Privately owned, fiercely customer-focused, and driven by our values, we continue to lead industries and transform lives through sound. 

  

Today, Bose Corporation is entering an exciting new era. Across multiple global Business Units and Global Functions, we are shaping the future of audio technology, automotive, luxury, and premium experiences. We invite you to join us in this transformation. 

Job Description

Job Title: Surface Mount Operator II

Department: PCB Area
Reports To: PCB Area Supervisor
Location: Binghamton, NY

Position Summary:

The Surface Mount Operator II is responsible for the setup, operation, and monitoring of surface mount technology (SMT) equipment used in the assembly of printed circuit boards. This role requires a solid understanding of printed circuit board assembly processes, electronic components, and SMT machine operation. In addition to running equipment, the operator performs troubleshooting of common machine and assembly issues, assists with machine setups, and performs solder touch-up or rework when necessary to ensure boards meet quality and functional standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• SMT Machine Operation & Setup
  • Operate and monitor surface mount assembly equipment used to place electronic components onto printed circuit boards.
  • Assist with machine setup, including loading feeders, verifying component reels, and preparing production runs according to work instructions.
  • Monitor machine performance and production output to ensure consistent component placement and board quality.
  • Make minor adjustments to machine settings to maintain proper operation and placement accuracy.
• Component Handling & Material Management
  • Load and verify component reels, trays, feeders, and boards prior to production runs.
  • Confirm correct part numbers, component values, and placement locations according to assembly documentation.
  • Maintain proper handling of electronic components in accordance with ESD control procedures.
• Troubleshooting & Process Support
  • Identify and troubleshoot common SMT machine errors, such as feeder issues, placement errors, or component misalignment.
  • Work with technicians or supervisors to resolve equipment or process issues that impact production.
  • Assist in identifying root causes of placement or solder-related defects.
• Inspection, Rework & Soldering
  • Perform visual inspection of circuit boards to verify component placement, polarity, and orientation.
  • Identify common SMT defects such as missing components, misaligned parts, bridging, insufficient solder, or tombstoning.
  • Perform solder touch-up or rework on SMT assemblies as needed within the operator’s scope of training.
• Documentation & Process Compliance
  • Follow work instructions, assembly documentation, and production procedures during all operations.
  • Accurately record production counts, machine status, and material usage.
  • Maintain an organized and clean workstation and support overall production efficiency.
• Safety & Continuous Improvement
  • Follow all safety procedures and ESD handling requirements.
  • Communicate equipment issues, quality concerns, or process improvement opportunities to supervision.
  • Assist in training or supporting less experienced operators when needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; electronics training or coursework preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience operating SMT equipment in an electronics manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of printed circuit board assembly processes and electronic components.
• Experience troubleshooting common SMT machine issues and placement errors.
• Working knowledge of soldering techniques and SMT rework practices.
• Ability to identify common solder defects including bridging, cold joints, tombstoning, and insufficient solder.
• Ability to read and follow assembly documentation, work instructions, and visual standards.
• Familiarity with ESD-safe handling practices.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an electronics manufacturing environment requiring adherence to ESD control procedures. The role involves standing or sitting at SMT equipment for extended periods, handling small electronic components, and maintaining focused visual inspection of circuit board assemblies.

At Bose, you're inspired to be and do your best and are rewarded for your unique talents! Our compensation is thoughtfully tailored to your skills, experience, education, and location, and goes beyond base salary. The hiring range for this position in the primary work location of Binghamton, New York is: $17.02-$23.37 per hour.The hiring range for other Bose work locations may vary. In addition to competitive base pay we offer rewards including bonus programs, comprehensive health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, plus exclusive perks designed to support your wellbeing, and a generous employee discount where you can immerse yourself in our products and experiences. We are a proudly independent company—driven by purpose, guided by our values, and united by a belief in the power of sound. As the world leader in audio experiences, we’re creating what’s next—pushing boundaries and delivering transformative sound experiences for people everywhere. Join us and make your next career move a mic-drop. Let’s Make Waves.

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Bose is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. The EEOC’s “Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal” Poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf. Bose is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected]. Please include "Application Accommodation Request" in the subject of the email.

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Our goal is to create an atmosphere where every candidate feels supported and empowered in the interviewing process. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our success, and we believe that providing reasonable accommodation is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of our commitment to being an employer of choice. We recognize that individuals may have different needs and requirements based on their abilities, and we provide reasonable accommodations to ensure ideal conditions are met during the application process.