Certified Soldering Assembly Technician

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Job Summary

The UVEX mission, within Caltech’s Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA), has an opening for a position supporting the development of instrument electronics for NASA’s Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX) mission. The role will work closely with the electrical engineering team, assisting with electronics board assembly, fabrication, testing, and other technical activities related to the mission’s instrumentation.

Essential Job Duties

• Assemble and rework prototype, engineering, and flight electronics boards using hand-soldering techniques.
• Prepare and organize electronic components and parts kits for assembly.
• Assemble and support the fabrication of electrical wire harnesses.
• Assist engineering staff with laboratory testing of electronic components and assemblies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory workspace, including light housekeeping duties.
• Travel occasionally to local vendors and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as needed.
• The position does not require heavy lifting or carrying.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in electronics assembly and hand soldering, including work on flight hardware or high-reliability electronics in the aerospace industry.
• Experience with hand soldering, rework, and inspection of electronic assemblies in accordance with aerospace industry standards.
• Knowledge of NASA-STD-8739 workmanship standards, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) control procedures.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, assembly instructions, and written procedures while maintaining accurate documentation and traceability records.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative university research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current or previous J-STD-001ES Certified IPC Specialist certification.
• Extensive experience with NASA flight hardware assembly, inspection, and workmanship requirements.
• Experience assembling and reworking prototype, engineering, and flight electronics boards.
• Familiarity with NASA quality assurance and flight hardware documentation requirements.

Required Documents

• Resume.