- Status : Full-Time; Hourly; Non-Exempt
- Schedule : Monday - Friday; 0800hrs - 1630hrs EST
- Location : On-Site; Aberdeen, MD 21001
- Supervisory : No
Position Summary : The Soldering Technician supports on-site fabrication, assembly, and integration of electronic subassemblies for rapid prototyping and production builds. This role requires hands-on proficiency in precision soldering, PCB assembly, and the use of controlled tools and work instructions to produce high-quality, repeatable assemblies. The technician works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering to execute builds in accordance with approved procedures, drawings, and quality standards, ensuring workmanship, traceability, and schedule adherence.
Key Roles / Duties :
- Collaborate with Engineering Department to fabricate and integrate custom printed circuit assemblies used in prototype platforms and electronic systems
- Perform precision soldering and component installation for both surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole components
- Operate and maintain advanced fabrication equipment including reflow ovens, pick-and-place machines, and printed circuit board (PCB) milling and imaging systems
- Interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and files to execute high-fidelity builds and identify potential design-for-fabrication improvements
- Support version control, process documentation, and traceability for all builds
- Contribute to the design and refinement of lab processes and tooling setups for small-run circuit card fabrication
Basic Qualifications :
- Five (5) years demonstrated experience
- Current IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) certification
- Current J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies) certification
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) awareness / control training
- Strong understanding of PCB fabrication and printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)
- Proficiency with soldering tools, rework equipment, and inspection techniques
- Experience using torque drivers, calibrated tools, and assembly fixtures according to documented standards to ensure repeatable, high-quality builds
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and fabrication files
- Ability to diagnose / problem solve basic electrical failures
- Familiarity with electrostatic discharge (ESD)-safe lab environments and fabrication best practices
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple build efforts in parallel
Preferred Qualifications :
- Current IPC / WHMA-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies) certification
- Prior Class 3 Soldering Experience
- Experience with multilayer boards and prototype PCBA processes
- Familiarity with pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and small-run assembly workflows
- Prior hands-on use of milling systems, laser direct imaging, and etching machines
- Experience using circuit board plotters and other prototyping tools
- Working knowledge for PCB layout review and SolidWorks for mechanical integration awareness
- Experience supporting prototype builds in an research and development (R&D) or defense environment
- Experience working in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 or Department of Defense (DoD)-compliant manufacturing environment
Travel :
- Minimal, local travel less than 10% of the year
Clearance : Applicants selected will be subject to a background check and / or security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information
- No clearance required, but preferred