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SMT Operator (Third Shift Only)

Nidec · North America/USA/Illinois/St. Charles, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What experience do you have running SMT or other manufacturing machines?

What they are checking: Whether they have any machine operation background or show they can learn it quickly.

Tell me about a time you caught a mistake before it became a bigger problem.

What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention to quality during routine, repetitive work.

How do you stay focused on repetitive work late in an overnight shift?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits that keep quality steady when attention naturally drops.

What does being a good teammate on a production line mean to you?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate, show up on time, and help others keep the line running.

What would you do

This is a third shift only role. How would that schedule work for you over the long term?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably work nights, which matters for steady production coverage.

You notice the machine is placing parts slightly off or making a strange sound. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and report problems instead of letting bad boards keep running.

Your supervisor gives you feedback that you are running slower than expected. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they accept feedback and work to improve without sacrificing quality or safety.

About the work

Why is it important to follow work instructions exactly, even on a task you have done many times?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that skipping steps causes defects in automotive electronics.

What safety rules do you follow around automated equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they respect guarding and lockout, which keeps them safe on the line.

How would you check that a part matches the quality standard before moving it on?

What they are checking: Whether they know to compare work against the standard and ask when unsure.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Nidec from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Nidec.

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality. All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society. Job Summary The Machine Operator I is an entry‑level production role responsible for operating basic manufacturing or processing equipment in a safe, efficient, and consistent manner. This position follows clearly defined work instructions, safety rules, and quality standards to support daily production needs. Work is closely supervised and emphasizes safety awareness, reliability, and development of foundational machine operation skills. Job Description Role Overview The Machine Operator I supports manufacturing operations by operating assigned machines or production equipment to produce parts, components, or finished goods. Tasks are routine, repetitive, and performed using established procedures and standard tooling. The role works as part of a production team in a manufacturing or industrial environment and focuses on learning equipment operation, quality expectations, and production flow. The position typically reports to a Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Supervisor, or Team Lead. Key Responsibilities Machine Operation & Production Execution Operate assigned machines or equipment according to work instructions and training Start, stop, and monitor equipment during production runs Load raw materials or components and remove finished products Maintain steady production output to meet shift or daily targets Quality & Inspection Support Perform basic visual inspections of produced parts or materials Identify obvious defects, equipment malfunctions, or process deviations Segregate non‑conforming products and notify supervision Follow quality documentation and traceability requirements Equipment & Workstation Care Clean work areas and equipment according to standard procedures Perform basic machine checks as instructed (e.g., lubrication, clearing jams) Report equipment issues, alarms, or abnormal conditions promptly Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workstation Safety, Compliance & Standard Work Follow all safety rules, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout awareness practices Use machines, tools, and materials safely and as trained Comply with quality, environmental, and operational policies Report safety hazards, near misses, or incidents immediately Teamwork & Learning Work cooperatively with operators, technicians, and supervisors Follow instructions and accept feedback to improve performance Learn basic machine operation, production processes, and terminology Maintain dependable attendance and punctuality Scope & Impact Impact is limited to assigned machine operation and production tasks Work is highly structured and closely monitored Errors are typically detectable through inspection or supervision Contributes to production output, quality consistency, and workplace safety Qualifications Education & Experience No formal education required Prior manufacturing, production, or machine‑operation experience helpful but not required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately Basic mechanical aptitude and attention to detail Ability to perform repetitive tasks consistently Commitment to safety and teamwork Willingness to learn machine operation and production processes NOTE : This position Is Not open to external sourcing (Recruiting agencies) All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Hours 10:30PM-6:45AM Additional Job Details Objective The SMT Operator level I will operate SMT equipment and perform identification of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, QFP, etc…). Essential Responsibilities: This position requires prompt arrival and regular attendance at work. Work is performed in an electro-static discharge (ESD) or clean room (no make-up, jewelry, or facial hair) area. • Works from specific verbal and/or written instructions and standard work instructions • Makes routine adjustments/set-ups of equipment. Must be able to perform feeder setup. Performs machine setup (Screen printer, chip shooter, fine pitch, reflow ovens, AOI and paste inspection. • Must be able to perform SMT line changeovers. Clean stencils using the appropriate “stencil” cleaning machine. Has knowledge of IPC-610 Omron Quality Standards. • Completes daily records and complete simple forms or charts of quality and work performed • Maintains clean and organized work area at all times. Completes daily area clean up at the end of shift. • May participate in cross-training activities with other related positions • Supports and participates in the Company’s management and quality system including continuous improvement efforts • Notifies group leader or supervisor of any problems or nonconforming product • Supports and implements the Environmental policy as it pertains to work activities • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the activities enumerated above Experience: 1+ year Education: High School or Equivalent Certifications: N/A Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: • Ability to perform simple math computations • Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with others • Ability to learn, understand and adhere to all applicable safety precautions and procedures Scope of Supervision: N/A Travel Required: Negligible Physical Demand (Special Considerations): While performing the duties of this job, the employee consistently is required to use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, bend and crawl. The employee will on occasion lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Keywords: SMT, production, supply chain, electronics, automotive, solder, solder wave, PCB, circuits This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This position description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the skills, aptitudes, competencies and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf Work Shift Schedule Third Shift (United States of America) No Soliciting Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.

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