What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hand Solder Technician III position at PPSI?
Senior-level technician and subject matter expert who leads hand soldering operations, drives quality and process improvements, and serves as the go-to technical resource for the most demanding builds. Acts as a working lead on the production floor, supports engineering during new product introduction, and plays a key role in maintaining IPC certification standards across the team.
See our job posting and submit your application directly on our website: https://www.ppsi.io/careers/hand-solder-technician-iii
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute the most complex hand soldering and rework operations, including high-reliability aerospace and defense assemblies requiring IPC J-STD-001 Class 3 with space addendum workmanship
- Serve as the subject matter expert on IPC J-STD-001 soldering standards and IPC-A-610 inspection criteria across all product classes
- Perform and oversee advanced rework including BGA reballing, micro-soldering, pad repair, and conformal coating removal and reapplication
- Collaborate with engineering on new product introduction, design for manufacturability reviews, and first article production
- Develop and refine work instructions, soldering procedures, and visual aids for hand solder operations
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for soldering-related defects and non-conformances
- Serve as a working lead, coordinating daily work assignments and priorities on the production floor
- Train, mentor, and evaluate technicians at all levels; support IPC certification preparation and skills advancement
- Oversee wave solder setup, profiling, and optimization; troubleshoot solder defects and process deviations
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, throughput, and cost reduction using 6S and other lean methodologies
- Support internal and customer audits by demonstrating process compliance and workmanship standards
- Interface with quality engineering on inspection criteria, acceptance standards, and process validation
- Maintain expert-level proficiency across all hand soldering tools, rework equipment, and inspection systems
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in electronics hand soldering, rework, and assembly
- Expert knowledge of IPC J-STD-001 standards with demonstrated Class 3 build experience
- IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certification required
- IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) certification required
- Proven ability to lead teams, coordinate production activities, and mentor technicians at all levels
- Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action
- Ability to read and interpret complex schematics, assembly drawings, and engineering specifications independently
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface with engineering, quality, and management
- Experience working in an AS9100-certified or equivalent quality management system environment
Preferred Qualifications
- IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certification
- IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) certification
- IPC 7711/7721 Rework, Modification, and Repair certification
- Experience with ITAR-controlled programs and defense manufacturing requirements
- Experience with conformal coating application and removal
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools
- Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives
Pay: $24.90 - $29.99 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25 - $30