Hardware Electrical Rework Lab Technician

Transmission & Distribution World; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks an EE Rework Technician to perform high-precision electrical rework, assembly, and modifications on complex R&D prototypes and test fixtures. You will manage incoming requests, maintain lab equipment, and enforce safety protocols while collaborating with engineers and lab users.

Strong soldering skills, detailed PCB knowledge, and the ability to lift up to 20 lbs are required. A background in electronics manufacturing or R&D labs is preferred, with proficiency in ECAD/inspection

Qualifications

• 8+ years in high-precision electronic circuit board assembly and rework in an R&D lab, hardware development, or production-support setting.
• Hand-solder and rework BGA/LGA/QFN down to 01005 size under a microscope.
• Operate rework equipment (soldering irons, hot air guns, hot plates, rework stations) and bench testers; read circuit diagrams & PCB layouts.
• Experience with digital ticketing/intake systems and communicating tradeoffs to engineers.
• Commitment to lab safety and ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Proficiency with productivity tools and willingness to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-precision electrical rework, assembly, and modifications on complex R&D prototypes and test fixtures.
• Active manage incoming request pipelines and document engineering tasks.
• Maintain specialized lab equipment and enforce safety protocols.
• Advise engineers and other lab users on technical tradeoffs and feasibility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced lab environment.

Skills

Soldering & Rework

PCB repair & prototyping

Lab safety & housekeeping

Documentation & ticketing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Technical training or degree

Tools

Rework equipment operation

DMMs & power supplies

ECAD/board inspection tools

X-Ray understanding

Job description

Join the Sensing Hardware team and you'll help us create a personal, physical connection for millions of customers around the world. Together, our team will enable our customers to do all the things they love with their Apple devices!

Description

Apple's Sensing, Power, and Haptics team, which supports hardware development across all product lines, is looking for a EE Rework Technician who will be responsible for for executing high-precision electrical rework, assembly, and modifications on complex R&D prototypes and test fixtures. Beyond your exceptional technical soldering capabilities, you will be a cornerstone of our lab operations team. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and a team-oriented attitude. You will actively manage an incoming request pipelines, maintain specialized lab equipment, enforce safety protocols, and advise engineers and other lab users. If you are a self-motivated technical expert who thrives in a dynamic, high-impact environment, we want you on our team.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ year minimum related experience required in high-precision electronic circuit board manual assembly and rework in an R&D lab, hardware development, or production-support setting.
• Proven ability to hand-solder and rework BGA, LGA, QFN IC modules, and passives down to 01005 size under a microscope, including mounting ultra-fine jumper wires, installing micro-coax cables, and manually cutting/modifying delicate PCB traces.
• Expert-level operation of rework equipment (soldering irons, hot air guns, hot plates, reflow/rework stations) paired with proficiency in benchtop EE test equipment (DMMs, DC power supplies, etc.) to verify and troubleshoot rework for functional integrity; functional fluency reading circuit diagrams and PCB layouts.
• Experience using digital job submission/tracking systems to intake, prioritize, and document engineering requests, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage engineer expectations and explain technical tradeoffs.
• Uncompromising commitment to lab safety and housekeeping, familiarity with basic chemical hazards (solvents, fluxes, epoxy), and physical capability to work in a lab environment, including lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Proficiency with digital productivity tools (spreadsheets, presentations, workflow management) and a willingness to learn new skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Navigate ECAD software (Allegro/Altium/KiCad/etc.) to examine board design files (layout/ODB++),
• Experience operating and interpreting 2D/3D X-Ray equipment to inspect BGA/LGA solder joints for voiding and assembly defects.
• Experience operating automated/semi-automated rework stations for BGA re-balling and SMD placement such an Ersa HR550 or similar.
• Experience operating wire bonding equipment (wedge and/or ball bonding), with any level of automation, for microelectronic assemblies.
• Experience with running characterization and FA measurements such at TDR, DK, utilizing a probe station when necessary.