If you’re the kind of person who takes pride in precision—where every component placed and every solder joint matters this role puts your skills exactly where they belong. Define Instruments is looking for an experienced SMT Operator – Production Technician to join our team in Wellington. You’ll be at the heart of our manufacturing operation, running the SMT line, troubleshooting issues in real time, and making sure the electronic assemblies we produce are reliable, high-quality, and ready for real-world industrial use. If you’ve got a couple of years under your belt in electronics manufacturing and you’re looking for a role where your work is visible and valued, let’s talk.
About the Company
Define Instruments is a New Zealand technology company that designs and manufactures high-performance industrial hardware right here in our own facility. We help OEMs transform their businesses through smart automation and IoT technology—building gateways, controllers, transmitters, and other products that solve real problems for industries around the world. We’re growing, but we haven’t lost that close-knit feel. Our team is hands-on, collaborative, and genuinely interested in doing things well. If you want to work somewhere your contribution matters and where you can see the results of your work every day, you’ll fit right in.
Key Responsibilities
You’ll be responsible for setting up and operating our SMT pick-and-place equipment, making sure production runs smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.
From stencil printing to reflow profiles, you’ll keep an eye on every step of the process, ensuring consistent quality across all our electronic assemblies.
When machines act up or process issues pop up, you’ll diagnose the problem and get things back on track without missing a beat.
Beyond the SMT line, you’ll be involved in programming, functional testing, and fault-finding on PCBs and sub-assemblies. If something isn’t working right, you’ll figure out why and fix it.
Faulty boards come across your bench, and you’ll diagnose and repair them—bringing products back to life and maintaining our quality standards.
You’ll work closely with engineering, production planning, and quality teams to identify ways to make our manufacturing process better, faster, and more reliable. Your ideas won’t just be heard—they’ll be welcomed.
What We’re Looking For
Electronics Manufacturing Experience: You’ve spent 2-3 years working in an electronics manufacturing environment and you know your way around a production floor.
SMT Know-How: You have strong knowledge of SMT processes, equipment, and best practices. You’re comfortable with pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, stencil printers, and AOI.
Testing and Repair Skills: You’ve got proven ability in PCB testing, troubleshooting, and repair. You’re not just an operator—you understand what makes boards work and what makes them fail.
Assembly Ability: You’re comfortable with the hands-on work of assembling electronic products, handling components carefully, and making sure everything goes together right.
Quality Focus: You take pride in doing things properly. Reliability matters, and you’re the kind of person who checks their work and cares about the end result.
Practical Mindset: You’re happy working with your hands, solving problems, and getting stuck in. Theory is useful, but practical application is where you shine.
What We Offer
Define Instruments is a New Zealand success story innovative, growing, and committed to keeping manufacturing local. You’ll be part of a business with a solid future.
Our facility is well-equipped with up-to-date gear. You’ll have the tools you need to do your job well.
The products you help build aren’t commodity items. They’re sophisticated IoT and industrial control products used by customers who demand reliability.
We offer pay that recognises your experience and skills. If you’re good at what you do, you’ll be rewarded accordingly.
- A competitive hourly wage of $19.66.
This isn’t a faceless corporation. You’ll work alongside people who know your name, value your input, and appreciate the work you do. Your contribution is visible every day.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced SMT Operator or Production Technician looking for a role where your skills will be put to good use—and where you’ll be valued for what you bring—we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV along with a brief cover letter telling us about your experience in electronics manufacturing. What kind of equipment have you worked with? What do you enjoy most about the work? And why does Define Instruments sound like the right fit for you?
Click apply now and take the next step toward joining a team that’s building real technology, right here in New Zealand.