Bestücker

Bestücker is a term used in German-speaking electronics manufacturing to denote a worker responsible for placing components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) during assembly. The role covers both manual assembly and automated SMT (surface-mount technology) lines. In SMT production, the Bestücker operates component feeders, loads parts into pick-and-place machines, monitors the placement process, and handles quality checks such as visual inspection and AOI; they may assist with programming machines and replace misfed components, and perform rework for misplacements. In through-hole assembly, a Bestücker may manually insert components and, depending on the line, support soldering processes or post-assembly cleaning.

The responsibilities include preparing materials (components, boards), ensuring the correct bill of materials against the PCB, verifying orientation and polarity, and conducting simple quality checks. They must follow process documentation, maintain clean and electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe workstations, and document any deviations. Typical workplaces are electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in facilities that perform PCB assembly, testing, and final assembly.

Skills and training: Bestücker positions usually require vocational electronics training or on-the-job training, with knowledge of basic electronics, how to read assembly drawings and component packages, and the ability to handle a wide range of components (resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors). Important competencies include manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work with precise tolerances and polarity requirements, as well as familiarity with soldering and inspection equipment.

Etymology: the word derives from the German verb bestücken, meaning to equip or mount components onto a circuit board. The title is gendered in German (Bestücker for male, Bestückerin for female).