Electronics Assembly Technician

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 41,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, seeks an Electronics Assembler to build cables, wire harnesses, magnetic components, and printed circuit assemblies for national security and space programs.

You will hand solder, place components, assemble harnesses and chassis, perform rework, and verify work per engineering docs and IPC standards in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Solder/desolder on fine-pitch assemblies under a microscope.
• Crimp, cable, and harness experience.
• Ability to obtain NASA-STD 8739.6 visual screening.
• Interpret assembly documentation accurately.

Responsibilities

• Assemble cables, harnesses, and chassis per engineering docs.
• Hand solder and hand place components and connectors on PCBs.
• Perform rework/repair of non-conforming hardware.
• Interface with engineers to resolve problems and develop instructions.
• Record as-built data and labor hours in databases.
• Verify components per IPC-J-STD-001 standards.

Skills

Hand soldering

Fine-pitch SMT handling

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Able to follow instructions

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

JBC nano stations

SMT dispensing/reflow/rework equipment

Job description

Description

Do you love building electronics hardware to solve hard problems whose solutions have an important bearing on national security, military readiness, space exploration, national health, and the advancement of fundamental science or engineering?

Are you a highly motivated individual that enjoys working on teams to develop critical hardware?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an Electronics Assembler to help us build cable, wire harness, magnetic, and electronic circuit assemblies for national security and space applications. This is a unique opportunity to apply a passion for electronics manufacturing toward advanced prototypes and one-of-a kind systems that will further the scientific knowledge of humankind, safeguard our nation's security, and advance the frontiers of space.

As an Electronics Assembly Technician you will hand solder and hand place components and connectors on printed circuit boards, build harnesses and cables, wind toroids and transformers, and do system level integration for various missions. You will work with mixed technology assemblies in a high mix, low volume facility producing state-of-the-art systems.

As an Electronics Assembler...

• Your primary responsibility will be to utilize the proper tools, equipment, and processes, to assemble high reliability assemblies. These high reliability assemblies include printed circuit boards, magnetic components, cables, and harnesses. Work includes both manual hand operations and the operation of automated assembly equipment.
  • These high reliability assemblies include fine pitch printed circuit board assemblies and magnetic components.
  • Work could include both manual hand operations and the operation of automated assembly equipment.
• You will Interface with project and manufacturing engineers in resolution of problems on hardware and in order to develop complex manufacturing instructions.
• You will assemble cables, harnesses, and chassis according to engineering documentation and manufacturing process plans.
• You will perform rework/repair of non-conforming hardware, both by hand and with the help of surface mount technology equipment.
  • Both by hand and with the help of surface mount technology equipment.
  • Removal and installation of miniature and micro-miniature components by soldering/de-soldering.
• You will integrate complex electronic subsystems into operational systems.
• You will accurately record as-built information, traceability requirements, labor hours, and other statistics into computer databases to comply with customer requirements.
• You will verify, hand place, and hand solder components on printed circuit boards in accordance with engineering documentation, manufacturing process plans, and IPC-J-STD-001 standards.
  • Miniature and micro-miniature soldering required.
• You will operate and help maintain equipment for cleaning and reflowing.
• You will wind magnetics, both by hand and with the help of a machine.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Are self-motivated, capable of multi-taking, pay close attention to detail, and capable of following verbal and written instructions.
• Can solder/de-solder components on fine pitch electronic assemblies under a microscope.
• Can work in a collaborative environment with partners both inside and outside of the fabrication team.
• Can solder miniature and micro-miniature surface mount components, size 01005 (0.2 mm by 0.4 mm) and potentially smaller, by hand.
• Have experience soldering and reworking SMT components using JBC nano stations
• Can operate surface mount dispensing, installation, reflow, and rework machines as required.
• Have crimp, cable, and harnessing experience.
• Can obtain visual screening prerequisite per NASA-STD 8739.6
• Have the ability to interpret both formal and informal assembly documentation.
• Are willing and able to work in a Class 8 Cleanroom.
• Have extraordinary hand coordination and dexterity.
• Have a proficiency with PC's and MS Office applications.
• Are customer-oriented with excellent communication skills.
• Have strong organizational skills.
• Are flexible in work hours during occasional periods of heavy workload. Shifted work hours and overtime (some evenings/weekends) could be required for short periods.
• Hold or are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• Experience in assembly and soldering of electronic printed wiring boards and cable assemblies, preferably in a high mix, low volume SMT facility.
• Experience building electronic hardware for spacecraft.
• Experience wiring chassis.
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems.
• Experience applying polymeric materials to electronics.
• Active certification to IPC-J-STD-001 with space addendum.
• Active certification to IPC-620.
• Active certification to IPC-7711/7721.
• Exposure to manufacturing resource planning (MRP) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$30.00 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$57.05 Hourly