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Overview
Surface-mount technology machine operators run SMT machines that place and solder small electronic components onto printed circuit boards for surface-mounted devices.
In job descriptions, look for SMT lines, PCB handling, component feeders, soldering, machine setup, inspection, production faults, rework handover and clean handling of electronic assemblies.
Explore this occupation
Search jobsWork context
SMT machine operators usually work on electronics production lines with printed circuit boards, component feeders, solder paste and inspection points. The work links machine setup, steady production, fault spotting and careful handover when boards need rework.
Skills and specializations
Useful strengths include reading production instructions, loading feeders correctly, monitoring soldering results, recognizing misplaced components and keeping electronic assemblies clean. Some roles focus on high-volume line operation, others on prototypes or small batches.
Salary context
Salary context is shaped by shift pattern, line complexity, responsibility for setup, inspection duties, rework handover and experience with SMT equipment. Roles that combine operation with troubleshooting or first-line maintenance are usually scoped differently from basic line work.
Career paths
Experience can lead toward SMT line lead, electronics assembly quality control, production planning, test technician work or maintenance support for placement and soldering equipment.
Good to know
Check whether the advert expects only machine operation or also feeder preparation, visual inspection, fault logging, minor maintenance and communication with rework or quality teams.
Editorial note
This guide gives editorial career context for SMT machine operation, not official labour-market statistics or salary data.
Where might this occupation occur?
This occupation may occur in several kinds of economic activity. Here are some examples and other occupations that may be found in the same areas.
Manufacture of loaded electronic boards
This is one example. Other occupations in this activity include wave soldering machine operator and printed circuit board assembler.
Explore this activityThese examples offer an overview but do not show every economic activity where the occupation may occur.
About this information
The selection is based on how occupations are connected to economic activities in ESCO and NACE. Only a few examples are shown to make the information easier to use. The occupations were selected because they are close in occupation area and important skills. The examples are not a ranking. They do not show where most people work, where demand is highest, or which occupation is best suited to a particular person.
Map overview
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O*NET relationships
No official O*NET relationship is available for this occupation in the current mapping. You can still use the other occupation details.
NACE Rev. 2.1
Economic activities linked to this occupation.
26.12Manufacture of loaded electronic boards
Alternative labels
Occupation group
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers (8212)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/52c25b47-c36e-49ff-92ce-8a8c5413fde6 |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 8212.4 |
| ISCO group | 8212 |
| Concept type | Occupation |