**SMT Operator - 1st Shift - $18/hr-$28/hr** **Job Description** This role involves operating and monitoring Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment to ensure the quality and accuracy of printed circuit board assemblies and other electronic components. Success in this position requires strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. **Responsibilities** + Operate and monitor AOI equipment. + Ensure the quality and accuracy of electronic components. + Load and unload PCBAs onto the AOI machine. + Document inspection results and maintain accurate records. + Perform basic maintenance of the equipment. **Essential Skills** + Electronic inspection + Surface-mount technology + Printed circuit board assembly + Quality inspection + Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, assembly and setup instructions + Previous experience operating computers and navigating computer software + 1 year of manufacturing experience + Soldering experience + Surface mount + Assembly + Quality control + Electronic assembly **Additional Skills & Qualifications** + Basic understanding of electronic components and functions + Ability to perform basic math + Experience in defense manufacturing focused on electronics + Ability to troubleshoot and help repair a machine **Why Work Here?** Employees will have the opportunity to get certified in soldering, offering a path for skills enhancement. The position provides healthcare benefits, a 401k match, and a potential pay bump upon conversion. **Work Environment** The role requires the ability to lift and carry 25 pounds and standing for extended periods. It is an ESD environment where employees will wear ESD gowning. The work schedule is from 6 am to 2:30 pm with opportunities for overtime. Training will be conducted during the shift for which they are hired. **Job Type & Location** This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $28.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) **Workplace Type** This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2025. **About Aerotek:** We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.