SMT Supervisor
About this role
Neros Technologies is hiring a SMT Supervisor, full-time, on-site in Torrance, California, United States, in the DRONES sector.
Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
What you will be doingJoin our team as an SMT Supervisor, leading day-to-day production of PCBAs and prototypes in a high-volume, highly automated manufacturing environment. You'll supervise, coach, and develop a team of line operators, material handlers, and technicians while ensuring output, quality, and delivery targets are met every shift.
Working closely with process engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials, planning, and quality teams, you'll run line changeovers, support new product introduction (NPI) builds, and help transition prototypes into full-scale production. You'll own key performance metrics such as throughput, first-pass yield, downtime, OEE, and scrap, and lead daily stand-up meetings to quickly resolve bottlenecks.
You'll also champion 5S, visual management, and continuous improvement, identifying automation opportunities that reduce cycle time and operator dependency, while upholding SOPs, ESD controls, quality standards, and a safe work environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day production of SMT PCBAs and prototypes in a high-volume, highly automated environment, ensuring output, quality, and delivery targets are met every shift
- Supervise, schedule, and develop SMT line operators, material handlers, and technicians, providing coaching, training, and clear performance expectations
- Drive adoption and sustainment of 5S and visual management across the SMT floor, keeping the line clean, organized, and audit-ready
- Partner with process and manufacturing engineering to run line changeovers, support NPI builds, and transition prototypes into high-volume production
- Own line performance metrics (throughput, first-pass yield, downtime, scrap) and lead daily stand-up meetings, escalating and resolving bottlenecks quickly
- Identify and implement automation and continuous improvement opportunities that reduce touch time, cycle time, and operator dependency
- Ensure adherence to SOPs, work instructions, ESD controls, and quality requirements, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions on line defects
- Coordinate with materials, planning, and quality teams to maintain kitting accuracy, feeder and stencil readiness, and material flow to the line
- Maintain a safe work environment and enforce EHS policies
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- 5+ years of experience in SMT PCBA production, including 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role in a high-volume, automated environment
- Working knowledge of SMT equipment and processes, including screen printing, pick and place, reflow, and AOI/SPI/X-ray inspection
- Demonstrated experience implementing and sustaining 5S and lean manufacturing practices
- Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to keep a fast-moving team aligned and accountable
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience with MES systems and production data tracking
- Experience running mixed-volume production that balances rapid prototyping with high-volume builds
- IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certified trainer or specialist
- Experience in defense, aerospace, or other regulated manufacturing environments
US Salary Range
$112,500 – $157,500 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
Description from Neros Technologies's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.
About Neros Technologies
Neros Technologies
Company in the mobility sector tracked nightly on the Mobility Jobs board.
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About Larry Sherwood Jr.
Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.
Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)
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