About AIS
AIS, a division of 1HMX, is a global leader in Human Machine eXperience (HMX) solutions, delivering innovative, high-performance products that power the future of human interaction with technology. Headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 1HMX operates eight manufacturing facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and China, serving customers in the aerospace, medical, industrial, robotics, energy, and gaming industries. Our portfolio includes electro-mechanical assemblies, virtual reality components, infection control interfaces, and industrial and medical display systems. With a focus on quality, precision, and customer satisfaction, we support a wide range of industries from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
Job Overview
The SMT Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and workmanship of surface mount technology (SMT) printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) used in our high-performance HMI products. This position conducts inspections at key points in the SMT process to verify conformance with internal standards, IPC workmanship guidelines, inspection criteria, internal MAPS, and customer specifications.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform visual and instrument-assisted inspection of SMT PCB assemblies at key production stages (first article, in-process, post-reflow, and final).
- Use inspection tools such as microscopes, magnifiers, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machines, and gauges to assess component placement, solder quality, polarity, and board cleanliness.
- Compare assembled boards against documentation including work instructions, bill of materials (BOM), and engineering drawings.
- Identify, document, and communicate defects, non-conformances, and quality issues to the manufacturing lead/supervisor and quality teams.
- Support corrective action by helping diagnose root causes and suggesting improvements using Lean tools.
- Route units for rework or repair based on inspection results.
- Maintain accurate inspection records, logs, and test results in line with company quality systems.
- Keep work areas and inspection equipment clean and functioning properly, and verify equipment is within its calibration date before use.
- Aid in continuous improvement and Lean quality initiatives related to SMT assembly quality.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training in electronics or quality inspection preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
- Experience visually inspecting electronic assemblies under magnification or microscope.
- Ability to read and interpret diagrams, BOMs, engineering drawings, MAPS, and quality standards.
- Ability to identify electronic components and their markings, values, and polarity.
- Familiarity with IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and related standards is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with production and engineering teams.
- Computer proficiency for entering inspection results and accessing work instructions.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- 1+ years of inspection experience in an SMT or electronics manufacturing environment.
- Experience with AOI, X-ray, or solder paste inspection (SPI) equipment, including reviewing and dispositioning machine-flagged defects.
- Prior experience in soldering or rework.
- IPC-A-610 certification (CIS) and hands-on inspection training.
- Understanding of key quality and manufacturing systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or similar).
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods, up to a full 10-hour shift, including sustained microscope work.
- Visual acuity, including color discrimination, to identify small components, markings, and solder defects, with or without magnification
- Manual dexterity for handling small parts and tools
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
Work Environment
- Manufacturing floor environment (may include machine noise, heat from reflow ovens, and odors from solder paste, fluxes, and solvents)
- Use of PPE such as gloves, safety glasses, and ESD protection
- May involve working with solder paste, chemicals, and cleaning agents
- Shift work and occasional overtime may be required to meet production demands
