Through-Hole Hand Load Assembler

Position Summary

The Through-Hole Hand Load Assembler is responsible for manually installing electronic components into printed circuit board assemblies before they enter the selective soldering process. This is a hands-on production position supporting the manufacture of high-reliability, Class 3 aerospace and defense electronic assemblies.

The successful candidate must be comfortable performing detailed, repetitive assembly work while following controlled work instructions, drawings, bills of material, and quality requirements. Accuracy, component orientation, workmanship, and careful handling are critical because the assemblies produced are used in demanding aerospace applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manually insert through-hole electronic components into printed circuit boards before selective soldering.

• Install connectors, capacitors, resistors, relays, transformers, headers, hardware, and other components according to assembly drawings and work instructions.

• Verify component part numbers, values, polarity, orientation, location, and seating before releasing boards to the next operation.

• Form, bend, trim, clinch, or secure component leads as required by the applicable work instructions.

• Install screws, nuts, washers, spacers, standoffs, brackets, and other mechanical hardware when required.

• Apply approved adhesives, staking materials, or temporary component-retention methods as instructed.

• Maintain proper component height, alignment, lead protrusion, and clearance.

• Identify missing, damaged, incorrect, or improperly installed components.

• Perform visual self-inspection of completed work before boards proceed to selective solder.

• Follow IPC Class 3 workmanship requirements and company quality standards.

• Read and follow assembly drawings, bills of material, travelers, route instructions, visual aids, and written procedures.

• Handle sensitive components and assemblies using proper ESD controls.

• Maintain component traceability and properly document completed production steps.

• Report discrepancies, damaged materials, drawing conflicts, and quality concerns to the supervisor or Quality department.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe workstation.

• Meet production schedules without sacrificing workmanship or product quality.

• Support rework, inspection, and other electronic assembly operations as assigned.

Quality and Workmanship Expectations

This position supports the production of Class 3 aerospace and defense printed circuit board assemblies. Employees must consistently produce work that meets stringent reliability, documentation, traceability, and workmanship requirements.

The assembler is expected to:

• Follow instructions exactly and avoid unauthorized process changes.

• Stop work and report any uncertainty or discrepancy.

• Maintain positive identification and control of components and materials.

• Prevent component damage, bent leads, incorrect polarity, improper seating, and foreign-object debris.

• Understand that even minor workmanship defects can affect the reliability of the finished aerospace assembly.

Qualifications

• Previous electronic assembly, through-hole assembly, hand-loading, or printed circuit board experience is preferred.

• Experience working with IPC Class 3, aerospace, defense, medical, or other high-reliability electronic products is strongly preferred.

• Ability to identify common electronic components and component markings.

• Ability to read assembly drawings, bills of material, component-placement diagrams, and written work instructions.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

• Ability to perform repetitive, detailed work for extended periods.

• Ability to use hand tools such as cutters, pliers, tweezers, torque drivers, and component-forming tools.

• Basic computer skills for reviewing work instructions and recording production activity.

• Ability to communicate problems clearly and work effectively with Production, Engineering, and Quality personnel.

• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification is preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand at an assembly workstation for extended periods.

• Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements.

• Ability to visually inspect small components, markings, leads, and board locations.

• Ability to use magnification equipment when necessary.

• Ability to lift and move production materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to work in an ESD-controlled manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This position is performed in an electronics manufacturing environment and requires compliance with all ESD, safety, quality, material-control, and documentation procedures. Personal protective equipment must be worn when required.

Position Type

• Full-time

• Hourly, non-exempt

• Production/Manufacturing

• Entry-level to intermediate assembler position

Preferred Attributes

• Dependable attendance and punctuality

• Patience and focus when performing detailed work

• Strong sense of personal responsibility for workmanship

• Willingness to ask questions rather than make assumptions

• Ability to work efficiently while maintaining Class 3 quality standards

• Team-oriented attitude and willingness to support changing production priorities

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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