PCB Assembler – Touch-Up & Rework Operator
Department: Manufacturing / PCB Assembly
Reports To: Production Supervisor
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Company: Gorilla Circuits
Location: San Jose, California
POSITION SUMMARY
The PCB Assembler – Touch-Up & Rework Operator is responsible for performing precision assembly, soldering, touch-up, modification, and rework of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) in accordance with customer specifications, engineering documentation, applicable IPC standards, and company quality requirements.
This position requires strong technical proficiency in electronic component identification, surface-mount technology (SMT), through-hole assembly, soldering techniques, and inspection practices. The operator is responsible for identifying and correcting assembly defects, ensuring product quality, minimizing rework-related damage, and supporting production schedules while maintaining compliance with established manufacturing and safety procedures.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. PCB Assembly, Soldering, and Rework
- Perform precision hand soldering, touch-up, component replacement, and rework on printed circuit board assemblies using approved tools, equipment, and processes.
- Solder and rework surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components in accordance with applicable IPC-A-610 and IPC-7711/7721 standards, customer requirements, and approved work instructions.
- Install, remove, replace, and reposition electronic components using soldering stations, hot-air rework equipment, tweezers, and other specialized assembly tools.
- Perform engineering change order (ECO) modifications, including jumper wire installation, component changes, and approved circuit modifications.
- Utilize stereo microscopes, magnification devices, and precision hand tools to perform detailed assembly and rework operations.
- Assemble mechanical hardware, electronic components, and related parts in accordance with engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and assembly instructions.
- Exercise appropriate care when handling sensitive electronic components and assemblies to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD), thermal damage, and physical damage.
2. Quality Control and Inspection
- Inspect PCB assemblies for soldering defects, component placement errors, polarity issues, damaged components, and other workmanship discrepancies.
- Verify that completed assemblies meet customer specifications, engineering requirements, and applicable IPC workmanship and acceptance criteria.
- Identify, document, and communicate nonconforming materials, assembly defects, and process discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor or quality representative.
- Perform visual inspections using microscopes, magnification equipment, and approved inspection tools.
- Ensure all touch-up and rework activities are performed using authorized methods and meet established quality acceptance requirements.
- Maintain accuracy and consistency in workmanship to minimize defects, scrap, and repeat rework.
- Support corrective action and continuous improvement initiatives by communicating recurring defects and potential process improvements.
3. Technical Documentation and Process Compliance
- Read, interpret, and follow engineering drawings, assembly instructions, customer specifications, bills of materials, and applicable technical documentation.
- Review work orders and manufacturing instructions to verify assembly requirements prior to performing assigned operations.
- Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs), ISO 9001 quality management requirements, and applicable IPC standards.
- Accurately complete production travelers, inspection records, rework documentation, and other required manufacturing records.
- Maintain product traceability and documentation accuracy in accordance with company procedures.
- Report unclear instructions, documentation discrepancies, or unauthorized process deviations before proceeding with affected work.
4. Production Efficiency and Operational Support
- Complete assigned assembly and rework operations in accordance with production priorities, quality expectations, and established schedules.
- Maintain productivity while ensuring that workmanship and customer requirements are consistently met.
- Coordinate with production supervisors, quality inspectors, engineers, and other manufacturing personnel to resolve assembly-related issues.
- Communicate equipment malfunctions, material shortages, process concerns, and production delays promptly.
- Support production workflow improvements, defect reduction initiatives, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
- Perform assigned work independently or collaboratively as required to support department objectives.
5. Safety, Housekeeping, and Workplace Conduct
- Follow all company safety policies, ESD protection requirements, chemical handling procedures, and equipment operating instructions.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation consistent with established housekeeping and 5S practices, where applicable.
- Properly maintain and handle soldering equipment, hand tools, inspection devices, and assigned production materials.
- Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow applicable safety protocols.
- Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, teamwork, and effective communication with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments.
- Maintain regular, reliable attendance and punctuality consistent with company policies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support manufacturing operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of hands-on experience in PCB assembly, precision soldering, touch-up, or electronic component rework preferred.
- Demonstrated experience working with SMT and through-hole electronic components.
- Previous experience in an electronics manufacturing or PCB assembly production environment.
- Experience working within an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment preferred.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
- Strong knowledge of PCB assembly processes, electronic component identification, soldering techniques, and rework procedures.
- Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship and acceptance criteria.
- Familiarity with IPC-7711/7721 rework, modification, and repair procedures preferred.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, assembly instructions, BOMs, component placement diagrams, and technical specifications.
- Proficiency using soldering stations, stereo microscopes, magnification devices, tweezers, and precision hand tools.
- Ability to identify and correct solder bridges, insufficient solder, damaged pads, component misalignment, and other common assembly defects within authorized rework limits.
- Knowledge of ESD handling requirements and proper protection of electronic assemblies.
- Ability to use applicable inspection and measurement equipment.
- Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
- Ability to consistently follow documented procedures and maintain high workmanship standards.
Communication and Professional Competencies
- Ability to read and understand written work instructions, safety procedures, and technical documentation in the language(s) used for assigned work.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy and productivity.
- Ability to manage changing priorities and meet production deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and commitment to quality..
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to perform repetitive, detailed hand and finger movements required for precision assembly and soldering operations.
- Ability to visually inspect small electronic components, solder joints, and circuit board features, with or without corrective lenses.
- Ability to work for extended periods in seated or standing positions, depending on workstation requirements.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to use microscopes, magnification devices, and precision tools for extended periods.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to soldering equipment, production machinery, and materials commonly used in electronics assembly.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and follow established safety procedures.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.