SMT Quality Control Inspector
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Schedule: Full-Time | 1st Shift
Pay: $24–$28/hour, depending on experience + Overtime Opportunities
A growing and well-established Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) organization is seeking an experienced SMT Quality Control Inspector to support quality inspection activities within a high-volume PCB assembly environment.
This is a hands-on quality role focused on PCB/PCBA inspection, First Article Inspection (FAI), SMT manufacturing processes, and ensuring products meet customer, quality, and industry requirements.
We are open to candidates with varying levels of experience. Candidates who have built their careers within electronics manufacturing—such as progressing from assembly, SMT operations, rework, or general quality inspection into SMT/PCBA quality—are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform PCB/PCBA First Article Inspections (FAI)
- Inspect SMT assemblies for workmanship and manufacturing defects
- Verify SMT component setup, part changeovers, and assembly deviations
- Review customer documentation, drawings, BOMs, ECOs, deviations, and manufacturing instructions
- Identify workmanship defects in accordance with applicable IPC Class 2 and Class 3 requirements
- Work closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality personnel to resolve quality concerns
- Escalate significant quality issues and support production stops when necessary
- Document inspection results and manufacturing defects accurately
- Support root cause investigations and corrective actions
- Review inspection data and quality trends to support continuous improvement
- Follow ESD, MSD, IPC, safety, and quality procedures
- Assist and share knowledge with other inspection and production personnel as needed
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of overall electronics manufacturing experience preferred, with hands-on experience in quality inspection, SMT, PCB/PCBA assembly, or a related manufacturing function
- At least 2 years of relevant SMT/PCBA quality inspection experience preferred
- Hands-on experience performing PCB/PCBA First Article Inspections (FAI)
- Understanding of SMT and PCB assembly processes
- Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 workmanship standards
- Ability to identify and document SMT/PCBA manufacturing defects
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, work instructions, and customer documentation
- Experience using microscopes, magnification equipment, and other inspection tools
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Relevant Backgrounds
Candidates may also be considered if they have a strong electronics manufacturing foundation and have progressed into quality-related work. Relevant backgrounds may include:
- PCBA Quality Control / Inspection
- SMT Quality Inspection
- AOI or AXI inspection with hands-on First Article Inspection experience
- SMT rework with an interest in transitioning into quality inspection
- Electronics assembly or SMT operations followed by quality inspection responsibilities
- General electronics manufacturing QC with recent SMT/PCBA inspection experience
Candidates do not need to have spent their entire career in SMT Quality Control. A progressive manufacturing background combined with the ability to perform SMT/PCBA inspection and First Article Inspection may be a strong fit.
Preferred
- Aerospace electronics manufacturing experience
- Medical device manufacturing experience
- ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 experience
- Previous experience training or supporting other inspectors
- IPC certifications
- Experience in a contract manufacturing or EMS environment
What We're Looking For
We value practical, hands-on manufacturing experience. Candidates who started in electronics assembly, SMT operations, rework, or another production function and progressed into quality inspection can bring valuable knowledge of the complete manufacturing process.
The successful candidate should understand how PCB assemblies are built, know what to look for during inspection, and be comfortable performing First Article Inspections in an SMT manufacturing environment.
Why Join Us?
- Stable and growing electronics manufacturing organization
- Long-term customer contracts and expanding business portfolio
- Collaborative, quality-focused culture
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on production quality and operational success
- Competitive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage; 401(k) with Company Match; Paid Holidays; Paid Vacation; and Overtime Opportunities
If you have hands-on electronics manufacturing and quality inspection experience and are looking to grow your career in SMT/PCBA quality, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to any status protected by applicable law.