Touch-Up Operator

Position Summary

The Touch-Up Operator performs solder touch-up and basic rework on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) to correct workmanship defects and meet established quality standards. This position requires strong hand-soldering skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow assembly documentation and approved work instructions.

The operator works closely with Production and Quality teams to identify and correct soldering defects while maintaining product quality, traceability, and production flow.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform solder touch-up on surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components according to approved work instructions and workmanship requirements.

• Correct solder bridges, insufficient or excess solder, incomplete solder joints, and other identified soldering defects.

• Remove and replace components within the scope of assigned training and authorization.

• Use soldering irons, desoldering tools, microscopes, and other approved equipment to perform precise workmanship corrections.

• Read and follow assembly drawings, visual aids, work instructions, and documented defect information.

• Verify component placement, orientation, and polarity against assembly documentation.

• Inspect completed work under magnification to verify solder joint quality and identify remaining defects.

• Clean soldered areas and remove flux residue using approved materials and procedures.

• Record completed touch-up and rework activities in manufacturing systems or production travelers.

• Refer damaged pads, lifted traces, unclear instructions, and repairs beyond the operator’s training to the appropriate lead, Quality, or Engineering personnel.

• Follow ESD controls and proper handling procedures to protect electronic assemblies.

• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and properly care for soldering tools and equipment.

• Ensure completed work meets applicable IPC workmanship standards, customer specifications, and internal quality requirements.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with hand soldering or solder touch-up on electronic assemblies.

• Familiarity with SMT and through-hole components and common soldering defects.

• Ability to perform detailed work using a microscope or other magnification equipment.

• Ability to read and follow assembly drawings, visual aids, and written work instructions.

• Knowledge of ESD handling practices.

• Strong attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.

• Ability to follow established procedures and communicate quality concerns.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and as part of a production team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in PCBA production or contract electronics manufacturing.

• IPC-A-610 training or certification.

• Formal hand-soldering training or certification.

• Experience performing fine-pitch solder touch-up and basic component replacement.

• Familiarity with production travelers or electronic manufacturing tracking systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

• Ability to perform repetitive, precise hand movements and detailed work under magnification.

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

Work Environment

This position works in an electronics manufacturing environment using soldering equipment, hand tools, and approved cleaning materials. Employees must follow all applicable safety procedures, ESD controls, and personal protective equipment requirements.

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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