Incoming Quality Control Technician

Vector is a defense technology company building advanced unmanned systems and training the operators who deploy them. We recently emerged from stealth and are rapidly scaling to meet mission-critical demand.

Our technology supports military professionals operating in high-consequence environments. We take that responsibility seriously. We move with urgency, communicate openly, and never compromise on quality.

Our Values

Be Relentless: We pursue our objectives with unwavering determination and tenacity. We strive to do more and get better. If someone closes a door in our face, we find a window.

Be Ethical: We work in a complex industry - never give anyone an opportunity to question our integrity. While we compete fiercely, we never break the law, violate regulations, or compromise our ethical standards.

Be Professional: We conduct ourselves with the highest standards of competence, responsibility, and respect in all interactions and tasks. Our customers look to us for the best training and equipment. We are the example for them.

As an Incoming Quality Control (IQC) Technician, you'll help ensure every component that enters production meets the quality standards required to build the next generation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) supporting critical defense missions around the world.

This role will focus primarily on the inspection of incoming printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and electronic components, ensuring they meet IPC-A-610 standards, engineering specifications, and quality requirements before being released into production.

You'll work closely with our Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to identify potential defects, maintain accurate inspection documentation, and support the overall quality and reliability of our products. Success in this role comes from strong attention to detail, technical inspection experience, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Perform incoming quality inspections of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), electronic components, cable assemblies, and related materials to verify compliance with established quality standards.

• Inspect PCBAs for soldering quality, component placement, workmanship defects, and other nonconformances in accordance with IPC-A-610 standards.

• Verify incoming materials and assemblies meet engineering drawings, technical specifications, and established inspection criteria.

• Identify, document, and report nonconforming materials or quality concerns to the Quality Lead or Supervisor.

• Complete inspection records and maintain accurate quality documentation, including inspection findings and nonconformance reports.

• Utilize microscopes, magnification tools, and other inspection or measuring equipment to evaluate electronic assemblies.

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and quality standards with precision.

• Support production by ensuring inspected and approved materials are available for manufacturing.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace using 5S principles.

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to resolve quality issues.

• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying recurring defects, inspection concerns, and opportunities to improve quality processes.

• Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

• IPC-A-610 certification required.

• Previous experience inspecting printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) or electronic assemblies in a manufacturing or quality control environment.

• Knowledge of electronic assembly workmanship standards, including solder joint acceptability, component placement, and common manufacturing defects.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and inspection documentation.

• Experience using microscopes, magnification tools, or other electronic inspection equipment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality standards.

• Ability to accurately document inspection results and communicate quality concerns.

• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Positive attitude, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

• Previous experience inspecting PCBAs, cable harnesses, or electronic assemblies.

• J-STD-001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, or other related IPC certifications.

• Familiarity with quality inspection tools, measuring equipment, and basic electronic test equipment.

• Experience with nonconforming material processes, quality documentation, and corrective actions.

• Previous experience working with drones, UAVs, or UAS platforms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout the workday.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills required for detailed inspection and assembly work.

• Visual acuity sufficient to inspect small electronic and mechanical components, with or without corrective lenses.

• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and other industrial conditions.

Why Run With Vector?

At Vector, your work directly supports the people who protect our nation. You'll join a team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement while working with cutting-edge unmanned systems technology.

Whether you're beginning your career in quality assurance or looking to expand your technical skills, Vector offers the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

Ready to build technology that matters? Apply to Run With Us!

This role will require the completion of a criminal background check. 

Vector is a drug-free workplace.