Machine Operator - Through-Hole

Rocket EMS, Inc.; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket EMS, Inc. is seeking a Through-Hole Operator to hand-place, solder, and inspect components for PCB assemblies. You will work with engineering, quality, and production teams to meet IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires steady hands, strong attention to detail, and ability to follow build documentation. A minimum of 2 years in through-hole or hand soldering is expected; IPC-A-610/J-STD-001 certification is preferred or

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in through-hole assembly or hand soldering in electronics manufacturing.
• IPC-A-610 certification and/or J-STD-001 certification is preferred or required depending on role level.

Responsibilities

• Review build documentation including MPIs, drawings, ECOs, and customer requirements.
• Hand-place through-hole components onto PCBs according to polarity, orientation, and BOM requirements.
• Perform soldering using hand tools, wave solder, or selective soldering equipment.
• Inspect solder joints and component placement for IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Identify and correct soldering or placement defects; escalate issues to Lead or Engineer.
• Perform basic rework and touch-up on solder joints.
• Complete first-article verification and in-process inspection forms as required.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and follow ESD/MSD handling procedures.
• Record production data and communicate updates to supervisors.
• Support other assembly or rework areas as directed by Supervisor/Engineer/Manager.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Soldering

Read drawings

Polarity & BOM

Soldering processes

Attention to detail

English communication

Basic computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Soldering tools

Wave soldering

Selective soldering

Job description

As a Through-Hole Operator at Rocket EMS, you’ll be an essential part of our PCB assembly process — ensuring all components are hand-placed, soldered, and inspected to the highest quality standards. You’ll work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to build boards that meet IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards. This position demands steady hands, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise build documentation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review build documentation including MPIs, assembly drawings, ECOs, and customer requirements before starting work.
• Manually insert through-hole components onto printed circuit boards according to polarity, orientation, and bill of materials (BOM) requirements.
• Perform soldering operations using hand soldering tools, wave solder, or selective solder equipment.
• Inspect solder joints and component placement for compliance with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Identify and correct soldering or placement defects; elevate systemic or recurring issues to the Lead or Engineer.
• Perform basic rework and touch-up on solder joints when needed.
• Complete first-article verification and in-process inspection forms as required.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and adhere to all ESD and MSD handling procedures.
• Record production data and communicate pass-downs and quality updates to supervisors.
• Support other assembly or rework areas as directed by Supervisor, Engineer, or Manager.
• Participate in continuous improvement and 5S initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in through-hole assembly or hand soldering in a contract manufacturing or electronics production environment.
• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (preferred or required depending on role level).

Skills

• Strong soldering ability for both leaded and lead-free assemblies.
• Ability to read assembly drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
• Understanding of polarity, component identification, and color codes.
• Familiarity with selective and wave soldering processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Basic computer literacy (MS Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Clear communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for advancement in a growing, technology-driven manufacturing environment

Schedule

8-hour shift, Monday – Friday

Overtime and weekends as needed

Pay Range

$20 - $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.

Authorized to Work in The United States?