3rd OPS Operator (Second Shift)

Rocket EMS; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket EMS in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Third Operations Operator to support post-production processing in a PCBA manufacturing environment. You will perform depaneling, press-fit operations, mechanical assembly, hardware installation, and other value-added steps before final inspection and shipment.

Ideal candidates have experience in electronics manufacturing, the ability to read work instructions, and proficiency with hand tools, fixtures, and basic production equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience in electronics manufacturing or PCBA assembly.
• Ability to read and follow written work instructions and drawings.
• Comfort using basic hand tools, presses, fixtures and measuring tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify workmanship defects.
• Ability to work with small parts and delicate assemblies.
• Must follow ESD, safety and quality procedures.

Responsibilities

• Depaneling of PCBA assemblies using approved tools, fixtures or equipment.
• Complete press-fit operations according to work instructions and drawings.
• Mechanical assembly including hardware installation, brackets and labels.
• Inspect boards and assemblies for workmanship issues during post-production.
• Follow travelers, assembly drawings, work instructions and quality requirements.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, presses, fixtures and basic production equipment safely.
• Handle PCBAs using proper ESD practices at all times.
• Identify and report defects, missing parts, damaged boards, or process concerns.
• Maintain accurate production counts and scan work orders.
• Keep work area clean, organized and 5S compliant.
• Support other post-production areas as needed including touch-up and packout prep.

Skills

Electronics manufacturing

Reading work instructions

Hand tools & measuring tools

Attention to detail

ESD procedures

Job description

Position Summary
The Third Operations Operator supports post-production processing in a PCBA manufacturing environment. This role performs hands-on mechanical and finishing operations after SMT, through-hole, coating, and test processes are complete. The operator will work on depaneling, press-fit operations, mechanical assembly, hardware installation, and other value-added production steps required before final inspection and shipment.

This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to follow work instructions, and comfort working with printed circuit board assemblies, hand tools, fixtures, and production equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform depaneling of printed circuit board assemblies using approved tools, fixtures, or equipment.
• Complete press-fit operations according to work instructions, drawings, and process requirements.
• Perform mechanical assembly tasks including hardware installation, brackets, shields, fasteners, labels, and other customer-specific requirements.
• Inspect boards and assemblies for workmanship issues during post-production operations.
• Follow production travelers, assembly drawings, work instructions, and quality requirements.
• Use hand tools, torque tools, presses, fixtures, and basic production equipment safely and correctly.
• Handle PCBAs using proper ESD practices at all times.
• Identify and report defects, missing parts, damaged boards, or process concerns to the lead, supervisor, or quality team.
• Maintain accurate production counts and scan work orders through the appropriate system steps.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and compliant with 5S and safety requirements.
• Support other post-production areas as needed, including touch-up support, final assembly prep, rework support, masking removal, cleaning, or packout preparation.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience in electronics manufacturing, PCBA assembly, mechanical assembly, or related production work preferred.
• Ability to read and follow written work instructions, travelers, and assembly drawings.
• Comfortable using basic hand tools, presses, fixtures, and measuring tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify workmanship defects.
• Ability to work with small parts and delicate electronic assemblies.
• Basic computer skills for scanning, labor tracking, and production transactions.
• Must be dependable, quality-focused, and able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow ESD, safety, and quality procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs as needed.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to perform repetitive production tasks while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Preferred Experience

• PCBA or electronics manufacturing experience.
• Experience with depaneling, press-fit equipment, mechanical assembly, or final assembly operations.
• Familiarity with IPC workmanship standards.
• Experience working in an ESD-controlled environment.

This position works on the production floor of a PCBA manufacturing facility. The role supports post-production operations and may interact with production, quality, engineering, rework, and final inspection teams.

Pay Range

$23 - $25 USD

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.

Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.