Process Technician
About the Role
As a Process Technician at Rocket EMS, you will support and improve manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality, efficient, and repeatable printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) production. You'll work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to monitor processes, troubleshoot production issues, and implement improvements.
This role requires technical aptitude, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow and interpret manufacturing documentation. Candidates may qualify through a relevant technical degree, manufacturing experience, or a combination of education and experience. Prior electronics manufacturing experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Review and interpret manufacturing process instructions (MPIs), engineering change orders (ECOs), deviations, assembly drawings, and customer specifications before production.
- Set up, monitor, and adjust SMT, through-hole, and supporting manufacturing processes under engineering guidance to meet applicable IPC standards and customer requirements.
- Assist with first article verification and new-build validation before production release.
- Troubleshoot process-related issues involving solder paste printing, component placement, reflow, wave soldering, selective soldering, and related assembly operations.
- Support engineers with process development, validation, and new product introduction (NPI) activities.
- Collect and analyze process data to identify trends, investigate root causes, and recommend improvements.
- Ensure compliance with electrostatic discharge (ESD), moisture-sensitive device (MSD), safety, and housekeeping requirements.
- Train and mentor operators on approved work instructions, process requirements, and best practices.
- Document process issues and approved changes, prepare shift pass-downs, and escalate unresolved concerns to engineering or quality management.
- Participate in continuous improvement projects focused on improving yield, consistency, throughput, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Support the setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting of polymerics processes, including conformal coating, staking, encapsulation, and underfill, in accordance with approved work instructions and customer requirements.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience
Candidates must meet at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, electronics, industrial technology, or a related technical field.
- Associate's degree in a related technical field plus 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.
- High school diploma or equivalent plus 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing role.
Qualifying manufacturing experience may come from electronics or other manufacturing industries, including production, assembly, equipment operation, maintenance, quality inspection, or process support.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong technical aptitude and a systematic approach to troubleshooting equipment or manufacturing process issues.
- Ability to read and interpret work instructions, technical drawings, and manufacturing documentation.
- Basic computer proficiency, including spreadsheets, data entry, and maintaining accurate records.
- Ability to collect and review production data, perform basic calculations, and identify trends or inconsistencies.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across production, quality, and engineering.
- Attention to detail and the ability to recognize, document, and communicate process deviations.
- Ability and willingness to learn PCB assembly processes, IPC workmanship requirements, and applicable ESD and MSD practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing or process support within a contract manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with SMT, through-hole, reflow, and soldering processes.
- Knowledge of PCB assembly workmanship requirements, including IPC Class 2 and Class 3.
- IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification.
- Experience interpreting bills of materials (BOMs), PCB assembly drawings, and customer specifications.
- Hands-on experience with soldering, inspection, or electronics assembly equipment.
- Experience supporting root cause analysis, process improvement, or NPI activities.
Benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off
- Career growth opportunities in advanced electronics manufacturing
Schedule
- 8-hour shift, Monday–Friday
- Overtime and weekends as needed
ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.
Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.
#zr