RESPONSIBILITIES: + Support production engineering during development and pre-production phases by building, assembling, and testing pre-production, qualification, and flight PCBA hardware + Assist with initial PCBA line setup, equipment programming, qualification of test setups, and transition of new designs into production + Program, load, and operate automated SMT production machines including pick & place, reflow ovens, stencil printers, conformal coating, AOI, and X-ray systems + Operate and troubleshoot SMT equipment (pick & place, reflow ovens, stencil printers, conformal coating, AOI, X-ray) with a focus on process stability and yield improvement + Perform rework and recovery on non-conforming hardware while maintaining design integrity and documenting root causes + Support continuous improvement projects including test rack builds, factory automation, and production line enhancements + Thoroughly document processes, failures, and improvements using data to drive corrective actions and yield increases + Provide surge support for critical production, qualification, or development builds + Collaborate with engineers to give real-time feedback on manufacturability, DFM opportunities, and process issues + Assist with training of junior technicians on SMT equipment operation and basic troubleshooting + Work with production support teams to guarantee the daily success of PCBA production safely, reliably, and at rate BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: + High school diploma or equivalency certificate + 1+ years of hands-on experience in SMT/PCBA manufacturing, assembly, or test PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: + Associates degree, apprenticeship, or military electronics technician training + Experience working directly with engineers in development or new process introduction (NPI) environments + Hands-on experience programming and optimizing SMT processes (pick & place, reflow, conformal coating, through-hole, AOI, or X-ray inspection) + Proficiency reading and interpreting schematics, assembly drawings, Gerber files, and work instructions + Soldering experience with IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification (Class 2 or 3) + Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with minimal supervision + Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and basic ERP systems + Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify subtle defects and maintain high-quality output in a high-volume environment + Positive attitude, strong team player, and willingness to provide constructive feedback to improve designs and tooling + Previous aerospace, automotive, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing experience COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: Production Development Technician/Level 1: $23.00 - $29.00/hour Production Development Technician/Level 2: $28.00 - $34.50/hour Production Development Technician/Level 3: $33.00 - $40.00/hour The ideal candidate: has strong SMT/PCBA experience; enjoys working directly with engineers; proven skills for troubleshooting complex issues; possesses excellent attention to detail; and thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.