Machine Operator - Through-Hole (Second Shift)
About this role
Through-Hole Operator
About the Role
As a Through-Hole Operator at Rocket EMS, you’ll be an essential part of our PCB assembly process — ensuring all components are hand-placed, soldered, and inspected to the highest quality standards. You’ll work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to build boards that meet IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards. This position demands steady hands, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise build documentation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
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Review build documentation including MPIs, assembly drawings, ECOs, and customer requirements before starting work.
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Manually insert through-hole components onto printed circuit boards according to polarity, orientation, and bill of materials (BOM) requirements.
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Perform soldering operations using hand soldering tools, wave solder, or selective solder equipment.
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Inspect solder joints and component placement for compliance with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
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Identify and correct soldering or placement defects; escalate systemic or recurring issues to the Lead or Engineer.
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Perform basic rework and touch-up on solder joints when needed.
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Complete first-article verification and in-process inspection forms as required.
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Maintain clean, organized work areas and adhere to all ESD and MSD handling procedures.
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Record production data and communicate pass-downs and quality updates to supervisors.
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Support other assembly or rework areas as directed by Supervisor, Engineer, or Manager.
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Participate in continuous improvement and 5S initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency.
Qualifications
Education
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High school diploma or equivalent (required)
Experience
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Minimum 2 years of experience in through-hole assembly or hand soldering in a contract manufacturing or electronics production environment.
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IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (preferred or required depending on role level).
Skills
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Strong soldering ability for both leaded and lead-free assemblies.
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Ability to read assembly drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
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Understanding of polarity, component identification, and color codes.
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Familiarity with selective and wave soldering processes.
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Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
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Basic computer literacy (MS Excel, Word, Outlook).
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Clear communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
Benefits
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401(k) with company match
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Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
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Paid time off and holidays
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Opportunities for advancement in a growing, technology-driven manufacturing environment
Schedule
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8-hour shift, Monday – Friday
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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.
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Company at a glance
Rocket EMS would rather invest its effort in figuring out how to solve a problem instead of telling you all the little things that will delay a project or get in the way. Too many EMS manufacturers would rather tell you what they can’t do instead of just delivering on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.
Rocket EMS Inc., founded in Jan 2011, is a Santa Clara, Calif.-based Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) company serving fast-growth, high-technology companies. We are uniquely positioned to meet the very high demands of New Product Introduction (NPI) manufacturing and test. Rocket is a one-stop partner, specializing in ultra-quick-turn (24 – 48 hour) manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), design and complementary services. Our core team has a proven track record of investing in and utilizing advanced technology, equipment and software to manufacture customer products extremely quickly with the highest quality. Our strategy is to build a team of the industry’s very best people, to invest in the most advanced technologies and to serve as a model for EMS industry best practices. With this as our foundation, we’re committed to executing far above our competitors.
It isn't easy, but if you put the right people together, all with exceptional experience, a shared drive, and a pursuit of excellence, you’ll have something truly remarkable. Throw in a facility with top of the line equipment and you have the core of what is Rocket EMS.
Rocket EMS: Taking contract manufacturing to the next level.
Contact Information
Telephone:408-727-3700
E-mail: [email protected]
Top Benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Holidays
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