The posting
SMT Tooling Coordinator / Technician Company: Rocket EMS Department: Manufacturing / Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Position Summary
The SMT Tooling Coordinator / Technician manages the availability, condition, organization, and traceability of tooling used in printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). This position combines hands-on tooling inspection and maintenance with inventory control and production support.
Working closely with SMT Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Purchasing, this individual ensures the correct tooling is ready before scheduled production runs, helping reduce setup time, prevent tooling-related defects, and support consistent manufacturing quality.
Job Responsibilities
- Maintain an organized inventory of SMT tooling, including solder paste stencils, squeegee blades, component feeders, placement nozzles, board support tooling, fixtures, and carriers.
- Review upcoming production schedules and work orders to identify tooling requirements, confirm availability, and communicate shortages or readiness concerns before production begins.
- Verify tooling identification, assembly part numbers, revisions, and compatibility against approved manufacturing documentation.
- Prepare and stage tooling for production setups and changeovers. Coordinate its return, inspection, cleaning, and storage after use.
- Inspect stencils for damage, contamination, blocked apertures, and other conditions that could affect solder paste printing. Perform additional checks, such as tension measurements, when required by approved procedures.
- Clean, inspect, and perform authorized maintenance on feeders, nozzles, squeegees, and other tooling according to approved procedures and manufacturer guidance.
- Identify and segregate damaged, worn, obsolete, or incorrect tooling to prevent unintended use. Coordinate repair, replacement, or disposition with Engineering and Quality.
- Maintain accurate records of tooling locations, quantities, condition, revisions, maintenance, and repair history.
- Coordinate tooling purchases and outside repairs with Engineering and Purchasing, including tracking delivery dates and confirming receipt against approved requirements.
- Support troubleshooting of tooling-related printing, feeding, placement, and board support issues. Escalate equipment or process problems to the appropriate technical team.
- Assist with new product introduction by organizing incoming tooling, verifying identification and documentation, and supporting production readiness reviews.
- Perform periodic inventory checks and maintain minimum stocking levels for frequently used tooling and replacement parts.
- Follow engineering change controls and ensure tooling modifications receive the required approval before implementation or production use.
- Maintain clean, orderly tooling storage and work areas using 5S practices. Follow applicable ESD, chemical handling, safety, and quality procedures.
- Complete required training and perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Two years of experience in electronics manufacturing, SMT production, tooling control, equipment maintenance, or a related technical role preferred.
- Hands-on experience with SMT stencils, feeders, nozzles, or production setup tooling strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting Juki placement equipment is a plus.
Qualifications and Skills
- Understanding of SMT manufacturing processes and how tooling condition affects print and placement quality.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform careful inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs within established procedures.
- Ability to read work instructions, tooling drawings, part numbers, revision levels, and manufacturing documentation.
- Familiarity with basic inspection tools, such as microscopes, magnifiers, and calipers.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when maintaining inventory and traceability records.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and computerized inventory or ERP systems.
- Ability to prioritize competing production needs, communicate issues promptly, and work independently while coordinating with multiple departments.
- Familiarity with IPC workmanship requirements and Class 3 electronics manufacturing is a plus.
Work Environment
This position works primarily in a manufacturing environment and involves standing, walking, handling tooling and small components, and performing detailed visual inspections. Essential duties must be performed safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Pay Range
$25—$28 USD
ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.
Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law. #zr
