SMT Soldering & Rework Technician

The Panther Group is seeking an experienced SMT Soldering & Rework Technician for a contract opportunity with a leading aerospace and defense organization in Clearwater, FL.

We are looking for an exceptional soldering professional with at least 5 years of manufacturing soldering experience, strong surface-mount technology (SMT) knowledge, and hands-on experience with rework and inspection equipment. The ideal candidate will be highly detail-oriented and comfortable performing precise soldering and rework under a microscope in a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do

• Perform precision SMT soldering, rework, touch-up, and component placement.
• Use microscopes to verify component placement, orientation, solder quality, and workmanship.
• Manually align components prior to soldering and perform post-reflow inspection and touch-up.
• Identify and correct common SMT defects, including:
  • Poorly wetted solder joints
  • Solder voids or insufficient solder
  • Solder shorts and bridges
  • Misaligned components/leads
  • Tombstoned components
  • Billboarded components
• Use Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment to identify solder defects and distinguish true defects from false calls.
• Read work instructions and identify standard SMT components.
• Perform electronic board rework using equipment such as hot-air pencils, hot plates, and BGA removal/rework systems.
• Inspect circuit boards using X-ray to identify solder defects on bottom-terminated components.
• Run, solder, and tack jumper wires on redesigned boards as needed.
• Maintain accurate workmanship and quality standards while supporting production schedules.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where overtime may be required.
• Maintain focus and precision while performing detailed, repetitive tasks.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing soldering experience required.
• Strong hands-on SMT soldering and rework experience.
• Experience working with surface-mount components and electronic assemblies.
• Experience using microscopes for detailed inspection and rework.
• Experience with SMT defect identification and correction.
• Experience with rework equipment such as hot-air pencils, hot plates, and BGA removal systems.
• Experience with AOI inspection.
• Experience with X-ray inspection of circuit boards.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions and identify standard SMT components.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform precise, repetitive work.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and maintain concentration.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.

Required Certifications

• IPC-A-610 certification — active or expired
• IPC J-STD-001 certification — active or expired

Preferred Experience

• Jumper wire installation and soldering on redesign/rework boards.
• Experience with advanced BGA rework equipment.
• Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated electronics manufacturing experience.

Why Join The Panther Group?
This is an opportunity to use your advanced SMT soldering, rework, and inspection skills in a hands-on electronics manufacturing environment supporting complex products. You'll work alongside experienced manufacturing and quality teams in a role where precision and technical expertise directly contribute to product quality.
Pay $20-25 per hour DOE