Soldering Technician

Location: Winchester, VA | FLSA: Non-exempt | Reports To: Production Manager

About the role

The Soldering Technician performs precision hand-soldering, inspection, and rework of printed circuit board assemblies, wire harnesses, and small electro-mechanical components in support of drone production. The role requires fine-pitch and micro-component work under magnification to IPC and internal quality standards. It also includes mentoring junior technicians, maintaining quality documentation, and supporting first-article inspections and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Perform hand-soldering of through-hole, surface-mount (SMT), and fine pitch components on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) and small electro-mechanical assemblies
• Assemble, repair, and modify wire harnesses as directed from management, drawings, and work instructions
• Inspect components and solder joints of PCBAs under a microscope; perform repair and rework of non-conformances to workmanship standards; install modifications as required
• Read and interpret basic engineering drawings, schematics, wire diagrams, bill of materials (BOM), and Work Instructions used to build parts and assemblies to specification; provide feedback to Engineering on documents as needed
• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate equipment and tools as necessary; report issues promptly
• Complete required travelers, inspection records, and non-conformance documentation in compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS)
• Maintain a clean and organized ESD-safe workstation and comply with FOD (foreign object debris) prevention practices; order and restock supplies as necessary
• Support first article inspections and process improvement initiatives with Engineering and Quality Control departments
• Ability to cross train and perform other assembly tasks as needed during times when soldering is not needed

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training in electronics assembly preferred
• 3+ years of hand-soldering experience, including work with fine-pitch connectors and components as small as 0402 size in a Production or Engineering environment
• Demonstrated ability to perform meticulous and accurate work under magnification for extended Production shift periods
• Ability to read Work Instructions, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings
• Familiarity with ESD procedures, lab equipment, and basic hand tools
• Experience training and mentoring junior technicians on soldering and general technician duties
• Experience documenting edits or necessary changes to new or existing work instructions
• Strong attention to detail, highly organized, and committed to quality workmanship; motivated self-starter and works well with or without constant supervision; communicates effectively with management and coworkers
• Professional working proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs. regularly
• Ability to comply with all safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• Ability to perform close, detailed work using a microscope or magnification for extended periods
• Ability to sit or stand at a workbench for extended periods with repetitive hand and wrist motion

Preferred Skills

• Experience soldering in an aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environment
• IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC-A-610 certification (Certified Solderer or Certified IPC Trainer a plus)
• Experience with wire harness fabrication, crimping, and soldering
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems for recording labor and traveler data

Benefits

Heven AeroTech offers a competitive