SMT Operator – PCB Assembly

The Opportunity

We are recruiting an SMT Operator to join an established electronics manufacturing team in Reading.

This is a hands-on production role involving Surface Mount Technology equipment, pick-and-place machinery, PCB assembly and electronic components. You will help manufacture and inspect printed circuit board assemblies while ensuring that components are positioned correctly and completed products meet the required quality standards.

The position is initially temporary, with the opportunity to become permanent for the right person.

• Location: Reading
• Basic pay: £15.40 per hour plus holiday pay
• Equivalent rate including holiday pay: £17.36 per hour
• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am–4:00pm
• Friday: 8:00am–1:30pm
• Contract: Temporary, with the opportunity to become permanent

The early Friday finish offers an attractive working pattern, while the potential permanent opportunity provides longer-term prospects for a candidate who performs well in the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate Surface Mount Technology equipment.
• Work with pick-and-place machinery.
• Support the assembly and production of printed circuit boards.
• Load and position electronic components accurately.
• Follow production instructions, drawings and specifications.
• Inspect completed PCB assemblies and identify defects.
• Carry out quality checks throughout the production process.
• Confirm that components are positioned and assembled correctly.
• Follow ESD, health and safety, and quality procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organised production area.

Requirements

• Experience within electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly or a similar precision production environment would be highly advantageous.
• Able to follow technical instructions, drawings and specifications accurately.
• Good attention to detail and a quality-focused approach.
• Able to carry out repetitive, precise assembly work.
• Able to travel reliably to Reading for an 8:00am start.
• Available for the stated Monday-to-Friday working pattern.

Direct experience operating SMT or pick-and-place machinery is particularly relevant, although candidates with closely related electronics assembly, soldering or PCB production experience are also encouraged to apply.

Skills & Qualities

• Strong attention to detail.
• A careful and methodical approach.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Commitment to product quality.
• Ability to recognise defects or incorrectly positioned components.
• Confidence following defined production processes.
• A responsible approach to ESD and workplace safety.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a manufacturing team.

What’s On Offer

• Basic pay of £15.40 per hour plus holiday pay.
• Equivalent rate of £17.36 per hour including holiday pay.
• Daytime working hours.
• Early finish every Friday.
• Opportunity for the temporary position to become permanent for the right candidate.
• Experience within an established electronics manufacturing environment.

Working Hours

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am–4:00pm
• Friday: 8:00am–1:30pm

Location

Reading. Candidates must be able to travel reliably to the workplace for an 8:00am start.

How to Apply

This role is being recruited by Halmer Group on behalf of our client.

If you have the relevant experience and would like to find out more about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the position. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 14 days of submitting your application, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.