Certified Soldering Assembly Technician

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech is seeking a dedicated electronics assembler to develop instrument electronics for NASA’s UVEX mission. You will work with the PMA division to assemble, rework, test, and support flight electronics boards, and help prepare components and wire harnesses for assembly.

Role requires extensive hand soldering experience on high‑reliability electronics, rigorous documentation, and the ability to work collaboratively in a university research environment.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Electronics assembly

Hand soldering

NASA standards

ESD control

Documentation

Attention to detail

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

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.

• 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.

Hiring Range

$37.70 per hour The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .