Joblaze summary

The SMT Technician at Northwood Space is responsible for setting up and operating surface mount technology equipment, ensuring high-quality electronics production for space communication systems. Key skills include hands-on experience with SMT machinery and programming, as well as a solid understanding of IPC standards. This role is suited for individuals with over five years in electronics manufacturing, particularly in high-reliability environments. The position plays a vital role in supporting both production and new product introductions, contributing directly to the company's mission.

Joblaze insights

Listed 4 days ago — first seen on Joblaze November 4, 2026. Last confirmed on Northwood Space's careers page November 6, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Northwood Space: Torrance, CA, United States.
SMT appears in 0.3% of 3490 comparable mid other roles in United States; J-STD-001 appears in 0.1% of 3490 comparable mid other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the SMT Technician role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Torrance, CA.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this SMT Technician role.
Where is the role based?: Northwood Space is hiring for this position in Torrance, CA.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Fuji, Heller, IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, Nordson CyberOptics, SMT.
What seniority level is this role?: Northwood Space targets mid-level candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this SMT Technician role at Northwood Space.

From the original posting

About Northwood:

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

We are seeking a Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) Technician to own the setup, programming, and performance of our surface mount line across production and new product introduction (NPI) builds. This role is critical to delivering high-reliability electronics on schedule and at scale, with direct impact on our ability to deploy next-generation space communication systems. You will keep print, placement, reflow, and inspection equipment running at peak performance, catch defects before they move downstream, and work closely with Engineering to turn new designs into repeatable, high-yield builds.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick-and-place, reflow ovens, SPI, AOI, and X-ray, including feeder setup, component verification, and changeovers per work instructions
Create, debug, and optimize programs for pick-and-place, screen printer, SPI, AOI, and X-ray equipment
Configure and tune process parameters such as nozzles, conveyor speeds, print settings, and reflow profiles
Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and repairs, and partner with Engineering to diagnose and resolve equipment issues
Inspect solder quality using microscopes, AOI, and X-ray to IPC-A-610 standards, documenting defects and root causes
Support production and NPI builds, assist technicians and Engineering with technical issues, and drive continuous improvement of SOPs and processes

Basic Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
5+ years of experience in SMT electronics manufacturing
Hands-on experience operating and setting up SMT equipment (screen printer, pick-and-place, reflow, and inspection)
Experience programming or editing programs on SMT placement or inspection equipment
Experience building to travelers, BOMs, work instructions, and assembly drawings

Preferred Qualifications

Familiar with IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001
Experience with Fuji placement, Heller reflow, and Nordson CyberOptics SPI/AOI equipment
Experience in high-reliability, aerospace, or IPC Class 3 electronics manufacturing
Experience with fine-pitch and BGA components, including X-ray inspection of hidden solder joints

Additional Requirements

This role requires being on-site 5 days per week
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted
Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Standard company text repeated across Northwood Space's postings is omitted here.

SMT Technician

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