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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Electronics Assembler

💰 $ - $

ManufacturingElectronicsAssemblyQuality Assurance

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Electronics Assembler is a hands-on manufacturing professional responsible for assembling, soldering, testing, and inspecting printed circuit boards (PCBs), cable harnesses, and electronic subassemblies used in aerospace, defense, or industrial products. This role emphasizes high-quality execution to IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 standards, strict ESD control, accurate interpretation of engineering drawings and BOMs, and successful handoff to test and final assembly. The ideal candidate combines strong manual dexterity with experience in SMT and through-hole processes, familiarity with inspection and test equipment, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Assembler / General Assembler
  • Electronics Technician I / Apprentice Technician
  • Military electronics or technical trade experience (electronics maintenance)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electronics Assembler / Lead Assembler
  • Production Supervisor / Assembly Lead
  • Test Technician / Test Engineer
  • Process Technician / Manufacturing Engineer
  • Quality Inspector / Quality Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • PCB Repair Technician
  • Cable/Harness Technician
  • Manufacturing Documentation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and follow detailed blueprints, engineering drawings, assembly work instructions, bill of materials (BOMs), and traveler documents to accurately assemble PCBs and electronic subassemblies per Jet specifications.
  • Perform precision hand soldering and rework using soldering irons and hot-air stations to J‑STD‑001 standards, handling components down to fine-pitch and micro-SMD sizes while ensuring solder joint integrity and component placement accuracy.
  • Execute surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole component placement and hand insertion, set up and monitor reflow ovens, and assist with pick-and-place or feeder changeovers when required.
  • Conduct visual and microscopic inspection of solder joints and component orientation to IPC‑A‑610 acceptance criteria, documenting and escalating non-conforming conditions per quality procedures.
  • Operate and interpret results from inspection equipment such as stereo microscopes, automated optical inspection (AOI) systems, and X-ray/CT imaging for component inspection and solder joint evaluation.
  • Perform in-circuit test (ICT), functional test, and final system-level testing using handheld test fixtures, bench test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies), and automated test stations, and record results in MES or test logs.
  • Prepare and terminate cables, connectors and wire harnesses using crimp tools, heat-shrink application, cable ties and strain reliefs, following cable harness drawings and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards where applicable.
  • Apply conformal coating, potting, or encapsulation materials according to work instructions; operate coating equipment, cure ovens, and verify coating coverage per engineering requirements.
  • Complete first article assemblies and build prototypes, capturing deviations, suggested improvements, and build-time feedback for engineering and manufacturing process improvement.
  • Document assembly steps, lot numbers, and serial numbers accurately in the ERP/MES system, ensuring traceability of components, assemblies and test records for quality and regulatory audits.
  • Maintain strict ESD control practices: adhere to wrist straps, ESD mats, grounded workstations, ESD-safe tools and handling procedures for ESD-sensitive devices.
  • Follow tooling, fixture and process changeover instructions; perform line setups, verify set points, and confirm process readiness with appropriate checklists to support on-time production.
  • Troubleshoot assembly and test failures using root-cause analysis techniques, repair or rework PCBs to specified repair procedures and coordinate complex failures with engineering.
  • Implement and participate in continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing activities (5S, Kaizen events, poka-yoke), identifying waste and suggesting process optimizations to reduce cycle time and improve yield.
  • Ensure compliance with safety policies, housekeeping standards and hazardous material handling protocols in the assembly area, including the safe use of solvents, fluxes and cleaning agents.
  • Train and mentor new assemblers on job-specific procedures, quality expectations, test methods and safe work practices to accelerate onboarding and improve team capability.
  • Calibrate and maintain hand tools, test equipment and assembly fixtures; perform pre-use inspections and report tool malfunctions to maintenance or supervision promptly.
  • Perform moisture sensitivity level (MSL) handling, baking and storage procedures for moisture-sensitive devices and follow component storage and shelf-life controls.
  • Coordinate with procurement and inventory teams to report component shortages, incorrect parts or BOM discrepancies and assist with root cause documentation to prevent repeat issues.
  • Support first-pass yield improvements by collecting defect data, participating in daily production reviews, and implementing corrective action under guidance of quality or process engineering.
  • Prepare assemblies for shipment: pack, label and complete inspection sign-offs to ensure product leaves the floor in conformance with shipping requirements and customer specifications.
  • Execute PCB depanelization, board routing, drilling and mechanical assembly tasks as required to complete final assemblies, ensuring dimensional and mechanical fit per drawing.
  • Follow clean-room or controlled environment protocols when applicable to prevent contamination of sensitive assemblies and maintain environmental monitoring logs.
  • Participate in internal and external audits by providing process documentation, assembly records and evidence of compliance with customer-defined requirements and industry standards.
  • Assist engineering teams with design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-testability (DFT) feedback, contributing hands-on insights to improve producibility and reduce rework.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by collecting production metrics, defect data and recommending process changes to reduce cost and improve quality.
  • Assist process engineering and quality teams with validation runs, process capability studies, and generation of assembly work instructions and process documentation.
  • Participate in inventory counts, incoming inspection of electronic components, and component verification to support supply chain accuracy.
  • Help maintain the training matrix and SOPs for the assembly area, updating documentation with real-world process clarifications and best practices.
  • Support corrective action and quality investigation activities by gathering evidence, reproducing defects and implementing interim containment actions.
  • Collaborate with production planning to provide realistic build-time estimates, assist with schedule adjustments and support urgent production builds as needed.
  • Provide feedback to purchasing and receiving about supplier quality issues, component labeling errors, or packaging damage that affects assembly operations.
  • Act as a point of contact during customer or regulatory audits on shop-floor execution, demonstrating assembly practices, inspection criteria and traceability controls.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Certified and proven ability in precision hand-soldering to J‑STD‑001 and solder rework on SMT and through-hole assemblies.
  • Proficient in IPC‑A‑610 acceptance standards and ability to perform consistent visual inspections against defined classes.
  • Experience operating and interpreting results from AOI, X-ray inspection, stereo microscopes and other electronic inspection tools.
  • Familiarity with reflow oven processes, wave soldering, pick-and-place operations, and basic SMT line support.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, assembly drawings, BOMs and process travelers.
  • Hands-on experience with cable harness assembly, crimping tools, and connector termination techniques to WHMA/IPC standards.
  • Practical knowledge of ICT, functional test fixtures, test procedures and electronic test equipment (oscilloscope, DMM, power supplies).
  • Strong ESD control practices and knowledge of electrostatic discharge prevention protocols and equipment.
  • Experience using ERP/MES systems for work order execution, traceability, and test result entry.
  • Competence with conformal coating application, cleaning, and moisture sensitivity handling procedures (MSL baking).
  • Basic mechanical assembly skills including torque tools, riveters, mechanical fastening and depanelization.
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement problem-solving methodologies (Kaizen, root cause analysis).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a meticulous approach to quality and repeatability in assembly tasks.
  • Strong manual dexterity and fine motor skills with the ability to sustain precision over repetitive tasks.
  • Effective communication skills for coordinating with engineers, quality, test and production teams.
  • Analytical problem-solving skills with a bias for identifying root causes and implementing long-term fixes.
  • Time management and organizational skills to balance throughput goals and quality requirements.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to mentor peers and share best practices.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes, tools and technologies in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Positive attitude toward continuous improvement and proactive contribution to process enhancements.
  • Accountability for meeting production targets while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Customer focus and professionalism when representing the assembly floor during audits or cross-functional reviews.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in Electronics Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
  • Vocational training or certifications in IPC-A-610, J‑STD‑001, or IPC/WHMA-A-620.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Manufacturing / CNC / Machining Technology
  • Applied Sciences with electronics coursework

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1 to 5+ years of hands-on electronics assembly experience; entry-level candidates with strong soldering school experience may be considered.

Preferred:

  • 2–5+ years of PCB assembly, SMT/through-hole experience, and demonstrated use of IPC and J‑STD standards.
  • Prior experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience working with MES/ERP systems, inspection equipment (AOI/X-ray), and test fixtures.
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