Hand Solder Technician III

Description

Senior-level technician and subject matter expert who leads hand soldering operations, drives quality and process improvements, and serves as the go-to technical resource for the most demanding builds. Acts as a working lead on the production floor, supports engineering during new product introduction, and plays a key role in maintaining IPC certification standards across the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the most complex hand soldering and rework operations, including high-reliability aerospace and defense assemblies requiring IPC J-STD-001 Class 3 with space addendum workmanship
• Serve as the subject matter expert on IPC J-STD-001 soldering standards and IPC-A-610 inspection criteria across all product classes
• Perform and oversee advanced rework including BGA reballing, micro-soldering, pad repair, and conformal coating removal and reapplication
• Collaborate with engineering on new product introduction, design for manufacturability reviews, and first article production
• Develop and refine work instructions, soldering procedures, and visual aids for hand solder operations
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for soldering-related defects and non-conformances
• Serve as a working lead, coordinating daily work assignments and priorities on the production floor
• Train, mentor, and evaluate technicians at all levels; support IPC certification preparation and skills advancement
• Oversee wave solder setup, profiling, and optimization; troubleshoot solder defects and process deviations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, and cost reduction using 6S and other lean methodologies
• Support internal and customer audits by demonstrating process compliance and workmanship standards
• Interface with quality engineering on inspection criteria, acceptance standards, and process validation
• Maintain expert-level proficiency across all hand soldering tools, rework equipment, and inspection systems

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in electronics hand soldering, rework, and assembly
• Expert knowledge of IPC J-STD-001 standards with demonstrated Class 3 build experience
• IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certification required
• IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certification required
• Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate production activities, and mentor technicians at all levels
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action
• Ability to read and interpret complex schematics, assembly drawings, and engineering specifications independently
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface with engineering, quality, and management
• Experience working in an AS9100-certified or equivalent quality management system environment

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certification
• IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certification
• IPC 7711/7721 Rework, Modification, and Repair certification
• Experience with ITAR-controlled programs and defense manufacturing requirements
• Experience with conformal coating application and removal
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives